As the push for decarbonisation accelerates, Australian fleet managers and sustainability leaders are increasingly tasked with the challenging but rewarding journey of electrifying their fleets. A key component of this transition is understanding and leveraging government incentives to make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs) and supporting infrastructure feasible and cost-effective.
A Growing Commitment to Electrification
Government incentives for fleet electrification have evolved significantly in recent years. From modest beginnings, focusing primarily on consumer EV purchases, the scope has broadened to include substantial support for charging infrastructure. This shift acknowledges the critical need for charging networks to match the growing demand for EVs.
Reflecting on this evolution, Mario Silvera, Director of Partnerships at JET Charge, noted in an exclusive interview with Fleet EV News, “In the early days, a lot of focus was on arterial highways and rapid charging, particularly for heavy voltage applications. But it has become very evident, through more education and knowledge sharing, that there needs to be equal emphasis on private fleet, commercial, and workplace charging.”
Shifting from AC to Fast DC Charging
A notable development in recent years has been the shift in government financial support from AC charging infrastructure to fast DC chargers. Early programs heavily emphasised installing AC chargers due to their lower costs and suitability for overnight or long-dwell charging. However, the growing adoption of EVs has revealed the limitations of AC chargers for many applications, particularly for fleets requiring faster turnarounds.
Speaking on the latest funding trends, Silvera highlighted, “The Destination Charging Round 3 program is moving beyond just installing AC chargers. For the first time, it includes entry-level DC charging options, which makes for a quicker turnaround time for multiple drivers to top up throughout the day. This is a significant step forward for both fleets and broader EV adoption.”
For fleet managers, this shift is transformative. Fast DC chargers provide the operational flexibility needed for vehicles to stay on the road longer. While the higher capital costs can be a barrier, government grants have made these investments more accessible, especially when combined with innovative financing models.
ARENA Funding for Fleet Charging: A Game Changer
Fleet managers are also benefiting from advancements in fleet charging solutions, supported by ARENA funding. Products like JET Charge+ are reshaping how fleets approach workplace and home charging for employees.
“This is a new model that simplifies the process for fleet managers,” explained Silvera. “Instead of needing a large upfront investment, workplace and home chargers can be installed using an OPEX model. This includes hardware, installation, maintenance, and software that provides fleet managers with usage, reimbursement and carbon emissions reporting capabilities, similar to a traditional fuel card.”
JET Charge+ model, combined with ARENA’s funding support, has made fleet charging more accessible and scalable. “Having a solution like JET Charge+ that ties back into grant funding ensures fleets can deploy charging infrastructure without stretching their budgets,” added Silvera.
Charging Infrastructure: The Backbone of Fleet Electrification
A critical consideration for fleet managers is the charging ecosystem. The transition to EVs isn’t just about purchasing vehicles—it’s also about ensuring access to reliable charging, whether at depots, employee homes, or public locations.
Private fleets often benefit from customised charging solutions. Options range from depot-based DC fast chargers to portable DC units for workshops, which allow for scalability without significant infrastructure upgrades. For regional operations, the increased focus on deploying DC chargers at regular intervals—such as the NSW government’s plan for chargers every 70 kilometres in regional areas—provides a vital safety net for fleet operations.
Silvera commented, “We’ve seen a clear need for faster charging solutions in regional areas. These aren’t just about convenience; they offer peace of mind for fleets knowing that infrastructure is in place to support their operations wherever they go.”
Overcoming Challenges with Tailored Solutions
Power constraints remain a key hurdle for many fleet managers. Innovative approaches, such as utilising existing three-phase outlets for portable DC chargers, can be more economical. These solutions, often supported by grants, allow fleets to scale their charging capabilities incrementally.
Silvera emphasised, “Rather than jumping straight to costly infrastructure upgrades, we work with our clients to identify staged approaches. This could include leveraging existing power infrastructure or introducing portable DC chargers, which are now a viable option for many fleet and workshop environments.”
Partnering for Success
Navigating the electrification process is no small feat, and many fleet managers are turning to implementation partners for guidance. Trusted advisors like JET Charge offer end-to-end support, from infrastructure planning and installation to reporting and maintenance. Their expertise ensures that the solutions implemented are not only cost-effective but also tailored to operational needs.
“Our role is to be more than just a supplier or installer,” said Silvera. “We aim to be a trusted implementation partner, helping clients identify the right solutions for their operational needs while supporting them through the complexities of electrification.”
2025 and Beyond
With an increasing number of EV models entering the Australian market and stricter emissions standards, 2025 is poised to be a pivotal year for fleet electrification. Fleet managers and sustainability leaders who start planning now—leveraging incentives and collaborating with trusted partners—will be better positioned to meet these challenges.
Fleet electrification is no longer a question of “if” but “how soon.” By understanding and utilising the available government incentives, fleet and sustainability managers can reduce upfront costs, enhance operational efficiency, and contribute to a cleaner future.
As Silvera aptly summarised, “It’s about knowledge sharing and simplifying the transition for fleet managers. By leveraging incentives and innovative solutions, we’re enabling fleets to scale their electrification efforts efficiently and effectively.”
The journey requires careful planning, strategic investments, and robust partnerships. However, the rewards—both financial and environmental—are undeniable. For Australian fleets, the time to act is now.
