On behalf of the Australian Government, the Australian Renewable Energy Agency
(ARENA) has launched the Future Fuels Program, with a $127.9 million funding envelope
to support fleets to shift to new zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) technology over the next four
years.
The Future Fuels Program will operate as a competitive, open and ongoing program that
aims to support vehicle fleet operators to integrate ZEVs into their operations.
Funding will be available for light vehicle fleet operators for charging and electrical
infrastructure, while heavy fleet operators are eligible for funding towards enabling
infrastructure and some support for vehicle costs. ARENA is also looking to fund projects
that incorporate hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and refuelling infrastructure.
The program is the latest iteration of the Australian Government’s Future Fuels Fund that
is designed to drive co-investment at scale in charging and refuelling infrastructure
projects for our future transport needs, including electricity, hydrogen or biofuels. This
package of funding delivers on the next stage of the Future
Under Round 1 of the Future Fuels Fund, ARENA awarded $24.55 million to five
companies for the construction of 403 electric vehicle fast charging stations spread across
every state and territory. The first of these charging stations was completed and opened
for use by the public on 8 November 2021.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said that this expanded program would build on the early
successes of the Future Fuels Fund and drive the shift to ZEVs.
“Assisting fleet users to move to zero emissions vehicles means getting more zero
emission cars and trucks on the road sooner, driving the road transport sector toward a net
zero future.
By getting these vehicles on the road as soon as possible we’ll reduce emissions in the
short term and help to create a market for second hand vehicles in the future, giving more
consumers the option of switching to a ZEV with their next vehicle purchase,” Mr Miller
said.
“ARENA is proud of what we were able to achieve with Future Fuels Round 1, with the
largest ever expansion of public fast charging infrastructure in Australia. With our support,
more than 400 public fast charging stations for electric vehicles are being built across the
country. We’re confident the Future Fuels Program will continue that great work and drive
down Australia’s transport emissions.” he said.
Following the success of the Future Fuels Round 1, the Australian Government
announced a $178 million cash boost including funding specifically allocated to fleet
programs. This fresh cash injection brings the total value of the Future Fuels Fund to $250
million and has enabled ARENA to launch the fleet program with a $127.9 million
envelope.
Future targeted funding rounds under the program will focus on further expansions to the
electric vehicle public charging network, including regional areas, as well as increasing the
use of smart chargers in drivers’ homes.
ARENA has committed over $78 million to ZEV technologies since 2016, including ultra-
fast charging networks on major highways, home smart charging trials, next-generation
biofuels and hydrogen refuelling infrastructure. In October 2021, ARENA announced
funding for Transgrid to develop a state-of-the-art electric bus depot in Leichhardt, New
South Wales, providing a blueprint for how fleet operators can incorporate charging
infrastructure in Australia.
