Government Grants & Incentives for Heavy Vehicles & Clean Energy
Australian businesses can access significant federal and state funding to offset the cost of electric heavy vehicles, EV charging infrastructure, solar, and battery storage. Here's what's available right now — including programs specifically designed for heavy fleet electrification.
Why it matters
Don't Leave Money on the Table
Most small business owners don't claim the grants they're entitled to — either because they don't know they exist, or the application process looks too hard. With over 90% of truck owners being small businesses, the federal government has created specific programs for heavy vehicle electrification and charging infrastructure. electric-switch identifies every grant and incentive relevant to your business and handles the legwork so you capture every dollar available.
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Federal programs
6
States covered
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Free to access
Nationwide
Federal Government Programs
Instant Asset Write-Off
Tax Incentive
Active
Eligible small businesses can immediately deduct the full cost of qualifying assets — including EVs, solar systems, battery storage, and EV charging infrastructure — in the year of purchase rather than depreciating over time. The threshold and eligible asset types are set each financial year in the Federal Budget.
Small businesses with aggregated annual turnover under the current ATO threshold — check ATO website for the current year's limit
Full asset cost deducted in year of purchase
Small Business Energy Incentive
Tax Deduction
Scheme closed
This bonus 20% tax deduction on eligible energy-efficient assets applied only to expenditure incurred between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024. The incentive period has now ended. Businesses that made eligible purchases in that window can still claim via their 2023–24 tax return.
Small businesses with aggregated annual turnover under $50 million — 2023–24 income year only
Additional 20% tax deduction up to $20,000 bonus — 2023–24 only
Electric Vehicle FBT Exemption
FBT Relief
Active
Zero-emission cars and low-emission plug-in hybrid cars provided to employees as a fringe benefit are exempt from Fringe Benefits Tax, making salary-sacrificed EVs significantly more affordable. Note: this exemption applies to cars and light vehicles below the luxury car tax threshold — it does not apply to heavy commercial vehicles such as trucks.
Businesses providing eligible zero-emission cars to employees via novated lease or company car arrangements. Vehicles must be below the luxury car tax threshold.
Full FBT exemption on eligible zero-emission cars
ARENA — Driving the Nation Program
Grant Funding
Active
ARENA's Driving the Nation Program is continuously open for applications and has specific focus areas for heavy vehicles and charging infrastructure. Focus Area 1 funds demonstration and deployment of heavy battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Focus Area 2 funds deployment of heavy BEV charging solutions. Focus Area 3 covers V2G and innovation. This is the primary federal grant program for businesses electrifying heavy commercial fleets.
Businesses and organisations deploying heavy BEVs or heavy BEV charging infrastructure. Projects must align with program focus areas and guidelines.
Project-specific co-funding grants — continuously open
Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Battery Rebate (STC Discount)
Active
The Australian Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program, launched 1 July 2025, provides an upfront discount on eligible solar battery installations for households and small businesses. The discount is delivered through the Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme (SRES) via small-scale technology certificates (STCs). Eligible batteries must be 5–100 kWh, CEC-approved, installed by an accredited installer, and VPP-capable. The discount is designed to equate to approximately 30% of the upfront battery cost. The STC factor tapers over time and by system size — batteries up to 14 kWh receive the full factor, with reduced rates above that threshold. Only one battery per premises is eligible.
Households and small businesses installing an eligible solar battery (5–100 kWh) with a new or existing solar PV system. Battery must be on the CEC approved list and installed by a Solar Accreditation Australia (SAA) accredited installer with battery endorsement.
Approximately 30% upfront discount on eligible battery installations via STC rebate
ARENA — Advancing Renewables Program
Grant Funding
Active
ARENA's Advancing Renewables Program supports a range of development, demonstration, and pre-commercial deployment projects including commercial solar, battery storage, and clean energy for industry. Businesses with significant renewable energy or storage projects may be eligible.
Varies by project — commercial, industrial, and fleet projects may qualify. Check ARENA website for current focus areas.
Project-specific grants and co-funding
Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) — Energy Storage Finance
Concessional Finance
Active
The CEFC provides low-cost finance for battery storage, solar, heavy fleet electrification, and EV charging infrastructure, often at rates below commercial lending. The CEFC actively co-finances battery storage projects including commercial and co-located solar-plus-storage systems, and has partnerships with major lenders for clean energy asset finance. Finance is available through CEFC-partnered banks and lenders across Australia.
Businesses investing in battery storage, solar, electric heavy vehicles, or EV charging infrastructure. Accessed via CEFC-partnered lenders.
Below-market interest rates on clean energy, storage, and transport loans
State by state
State & Territory Programs
Each listing links directly to the official government source so you can verify current availability before applying.
NSW
New South Wales
NSW Electric Vehicle Rebate
Scheme closed
The NSW EV rebate of $3,000 applied to eligible new BEVs under $68,750. The rebate scheme has now closed to new applications — check the NSW Government website for any successor programs.
Scheme closed — check for successor programs
NSW Virtual Power Plant (VPP) Incentive
Active
The NSW Government has increased its incentive for connecting a battery to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) following the launch of the federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program. This VPP incentive can be combined with the Australian Government's battery discount (via the SRES/STC scheme), allowing eligible households and small businesses to stack both benefits. Connecting to a VPP allows you to sell stored energy back to the grid and receive ongoing payments.
Increased VPP incentive — combinable with federal battery discount
NSW EV Fleets — Charging Infrastructure Support
Verify status
The NSW Government has supported businesses electrifying commercial fleets through EV fleet charging grants and advisory programs. Programs have included co-funding for workplace and depot charging infrastructure for eligible fleet operators. Check the NSW Government's EV and fleet electrification pages for current round availability and any successor programs.
Co-funding grants — value varies by project and round
NSW Sustainability Advantage
Active
Free advisory and co-funding support for businesses implementing energy efficiency and sustainability improvements. Includes access to expert advisers, tools, and potential co-funding for eligible projects.
Free advisory + co-funding available
VIC
Victoria
Zero Emissions Vehicle Subsidy
Scheme closed
The Victorian ZEV subsidy of $3,000 for eligible new BEVs and FCEVs under $68,740 has now closed to new applications. The stamp duty exemption for eligible EVs remains in place.
Subsidy closed — stamp duty exemption remains
Solar Victoria Battery Loan
Scheme closed
Solar Victoria's interest-free loan program for solar battery installations is no longer accepting new applications. Existing loan holders continue to make repayments. The Commonwealth Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program (launched 1 July 2025) is now the primary battery incentive available to Victorian households and small businesses — check the Clean Energy Regulator website for eligibility.
Closed — see federal Cheaper Home Batteries Program
Victorian EV Charging Grants — Large-Scale EV Infrastructure
Verify status
The Victorian Government has funded large-scale EV charging infrastructure through programs targeting workplaces, commercial precincts, and fleet depots. Programs have included the Workplace and Destination Charging Program and fleet-focused charging grants. Check the Victorian Government's EV and clean transport pages for current round availability and any active successor programs.
Co-funding grants — value varies by project and round
Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU)
Active
Ongoing program providing discounts on energy-efficient products and upgrades through accredited providers, including lighting, heating, cooling, and industrial equipment. Businesses can access discounts through VEU-accredited retailers.
Discounts vary by upgrade type
QLD
Queensland
Queensland Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate
Scheme closed
The Queensland $3,000 ZEV rebate for eligible new BEVs under $58,000 has now closed to new applications. Check the Queensland Government website for current EV incentives and any successor programs.
Scheme closed — check for current QLD EV incentives
Queensland Zero Emission Vehicles Infrastructure Program
Verify status
The Queensland Government has funded EV charging infrastructure for businesses, local governments, and community organisations through the Zero Emission Vehicles Infrastructure Program and related initiatives. Programs have supported installation of charging equipment at workplaces, commercial premises, and public locations. Check the Queensland Government's EV and clean transport pages for current round availability.
Co-funding grants — value varies by project and round
Queensland Business Energy Saving and Transformation (QBEST)
Verify status
Grants for small and medium Queensland businesses to upgrade to energy-efficient equipment and reduce energy costs. Check the Business Queensland website for current round status and eligibility criteria.
Grants up to $12,500 (check current round status)
WA
Western Australia
WA Electric Vehicle Rebate
Scheme closed
The WA $3,500 EV rebate for eligible new BEVs under $70,000 has now closed to new applications. Check the WA Government website for current EV incentives and any successor programs.
Scheme closed — check for current WA EV incentives
Charge Up WA — EV Charging Infrastructure Grant
Verify status
The WA Government's Charge Up WA program provides grants to businesses, local governments, and community organisations to install EV charging infrastructure at workplaces, commercial premises, and public locations. The program aims to expand the public and destination charging network across Western Australia, supporting the transition to electric vehicles for both light and commercial fleets.
Grants available — value varies by project and round
Distributed Energy Buyback Scheme (DEBS)
Active
Ongoing feed-in tariff for excess solar and battery energy exported to the WA grid. Businesses with solar and battery systems receive ongoing export payments from Synergy or Horizon Power.
Ongoing export payments (rates set by ERA)
SA
South Australia
Home Battery Scheme
Active
SA Government subsidies for eligible households and small businesses to install battery storage systems. The scheme has been running since 2018 — check the SA Government website for current subsidy levels and eligibility.
Subsidies available (check current rates)
Virtual Power Plant Programs
Active
SA leads Australia in VPP adoption. Multiple VPP programs operate in SA — eligible businesses and households can receive subsidised or free battery hardware in exchange for grid participation. Programs include the SA VPP and retailer-run schemes.
Free or subsidised battery hardware (program-dependent)
ACT
Australian Capital Territory
Sustainable Household Scheme
Active
Zero-interest loans for eligible ACT residents and businesses to purchase EVs, solar panels, and battery systems. The scheme is administered by Brighte on behalf of the ACT Government.
Zero-interest loans up to $15,000
Next Gen Energy Storage Program
Verify status
ACT Government grants for commercial and community battery storage projects that support grid stability and renewable energy uptake. Check the ACT Government website for current round status.
Project-specific grants (check current rounds)
Status key:Active — program is currently openVerify status — confirm current availability before applyingScheme closed — original program closed; check for successor programs
Grant programs change frequently. The Australian Government's Cheaper Home Batteries Program launched 1 July 2025 and provides an upfront ~30% discount on eligible battery installations via the SRES/STC scheme — this has replaced most state-level battery installation discounts including NSW and Victoria. The Small Business Energy Incentive ended 30 June 2024 and is no longer available for new expenditure. State EV rebate schemes in NSW, VIC, QLD, and WA have closed. The FBT exemption applies to cars and light vehicles only — not heavy trucks. Values, eligibility criteria, and program availability shown are indicative as at July 2026 and subject to change. Always verify current status via the official government links provided. electric-switch confirms current availability as part of your free energy advisory.
Find Out What Your Business Can Claim
We assess your eligibility across every relevant federal and state program and help you capture every dollar available — at no cost to your business.
