Driving the Nation Program
- 1 Step 1 - Read the program guidelines
- 2 Step 2 - Observe the key dates
- 3 Step 3 - Prepare your response
Background
Announced in 2022, the Government’s Driving the Nation Fund provides $500 million to invest in cheaper and cleaner transport. This funding builds on the former ‘Future Fuels Fund’ (established in 2020), targeting support for business fleets, new technologies for heavy and long-distance vehicles, public charging and hydrogen refuelling stations and smart charging.We provide funding under the Driving the Nation Program to initiatives aligned to these objectives (see details below for open opportunities).
How it works
The Driving the Nation Program is ongoing and accepting of applications that contribute to the Program objectives and align with the Program Focus Areas. The assessment process involves two stages:
1. Expressions of Interest; and
2. Full Application stage.2023 Focus Areas – Innovation in Charging [Open]
Open since April 2023, we have allocated $70 million towards the 2023 Focus Areas aiming to support innovation in public charging and management of charging. Contact our team by emailing transport@arena.gov.au
We are accepting applications under the 2023 Focus Areas.
2022 Focus Areas – Business Fleets [Closed]
Opened in February 2022, we have allocated $127.9 million towards the 2022 Focus Areas aiming to accelerate uptake of ZEVs by business fleets. The 2022 Focus Areas comprise:
1. Supporting the integration of battery electric vehicles into light vehicle fleets.
2. Supporting the integration of battery electric vehicles into heavy vehicle fleets.
3. Commercialising hydrogen as a transport fuel.The 2022 Focus Areas closed to new applications on 19 June 2023.
- Driving the Nation Program – 2022 Focus Areas (PDF 358KB)
- 2022 Focus Areas Information Session Webinar Slides (PDF 788KB)
Targeted Rounds [Closed]
We may choose to utilise a Targeted Round within the Program for targeted activities. The start of a Targeted Round will be announced via a Funding Announcement on the Program webpage. See section 2.32 of the Program Guidelines for more information.
We awarded $24.55 million under the Public Charging Round (Round 1 of the Program) to support the roll-out of 403 public electric vehicle fast charging stations nationwide.
Key dates
2022 Focus Areas (Fleet Decarbonisation)
- Start date: 22 February 2022
- Closing date: 19 June 2023
2023 Focus Areas (Innovation in Charging)
- Start date: 19 April 2023
- Closing date: Ongoing
How to enter your submission
Prior to submitting an Expression of Interest, ensure you have engaged with us by emailing transport@arena.gov.au
Step 3.1: Navigate to and create an account with ARENANet
Step 3.2: Scroll to the Driving the Nation Program section of the program options when commencing your expression of interest application. Select the Focus Area you are applying under.
Step 3.3: Select the two-stage process unless you have received an exemption from us for a one-stage Full Application. Refer to the submission type guidance on this page.
Step 3.4: Submit the following attachments with your application:
1. Expression of Interest: Applicants submitting an expression of interest are required to submit a project plan.
2. Full Application: Applicants submitting a full application must complete and submit the following:- Funding Agreement Compliance Table (DOCX 220KB)
- Risk Management Plan Template (DOCX 315KB). Applicants may use their own template if preferred.
Reference documents
Use these documents to assist you with your application:
- Driving the Nation Program Guidelines (PDF 608KB)
- Driving the Nation Program – 2022 Focus Areas (PDF 358KB)
- Driving the Nation Program – 2023 Focus Areas (PDF 378KB)
- Funding Agreement Template (PDF 812KB) | (DOCX 245KB)
- Driving the Nation Program Frequently Asked Questions (PDF 380KB)
Questions
Please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document above in the first instance. If you have further questions that aren’t addressed in the FAQs, send your queries to: transport@arena.gov.au
