The Western Australian (WA) government has announced a $15 million grant program for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), not-for-profit organizations, and local government authorities, to support them in co-funding the cost of electric vehicle (EV) recharging infrastructure. This program is called the “Charge Up Workplace Grants”, and it aims to make it easier and more cost-effective for eligible entities to install EV charging equipment at their workplaces.

The grant has a strong focus on charging EVs during the day to make the most of the abundant solar energy available in WA. It seeks to maximize charging opportunities at places Western Australians attend during their daytime activities while minimizing extra electricity use during the already busy evening peak.

This article will provide you with a detailed overview of the Charge Up Workplace Grants program, what you need to know about the first round of funding, and how to apply.

Charge Up Workplace Grants

The Charge Up Workplace Grant Program is designed to make it easier and more cost-effective for eligible entities to install EV charging equipment at their workplace. The EV chargers can be installed in the car park at your workplace or depot to be used by employees, fleet vehicles, and visitors to ‘charge up at work’. Eligible businesses can also install them for use by customers to ‘charge up at play’ – for example, at a tourist destination, café, recreation center, or winery.

The grant program has a strong focus on charging EVs during the day. The goal is to maximize charging opportunities at locations Western Australians attend during their daytime activities while minimizing extra electricity use during the already busy evening peak.

Round One: What You Need to Know

Round one of the Charge Up Workplace Grants program has an allocation of $3.75 million and will be open from 16 February 2023 until COB 12 May 2023. Please note that applications will be assessed on a first-come, first-served basis. Round one may close before 12 May 2023 if the funding allocation is fully expended.

Grants in round one fund the following for up to four EV chargers per site (for a maximum of five sites):

• 50% of the purchase cost of level 2 (7 to 22 kW) EV chargers chosen from an approved list

• 50% of installation costs

• Funding caps of $5,000 per site apply in the Greater Perth area and $10,000 per site apply in regional and remote areas

• 75% of the cost of a 2-year EV charger software subscription, chosen from an approved list.

Eligible applicants can only make one grant application in Round One.

Charge Up Workplace EV Grants Criteria: Check If You’re Eligible

To be eligible for the Charge Up Workplace Grants program, the applicant business must meet the following criteria:

• Use the EV charger to charge during daytime hours (9 am to 5 pm) or overnight (9 pm to 9 am). In general, charging that occurs mainly during the evening peak of 5 pm to 9 pm will not be supported by the grant.

• Install the EV charger at a location within Western Australia.

• Be one of the following types of organizations:

– Not-for-profits registered with the Australian Charities and not-for-profits commission (ACNC)

– Local government authorities established under the Local Government Act 1995

– Small to medium enterprises as defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, being either a small business employing less than 20 people or a medium business employing between 20 and 199 people.

Some exclusions to these organization types apply. Refer to page 19 of the Guidelines for a list of ‘who is not eligible’.

Are Strata Corporations eligible for the WA Charge Up Workplace EV Grants ?

Unfortunately strata corporations and strata bodies are not currently eligible under the program. For more information on Electric Vehicle charging within strata and apartment buildings click here.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

  • Location: Choose a location that is accessible and convenient for EV drivers. Consider the proximity to main roads, nearby amenities, and any existing charging infrastructure in the area. It’s also important to have a plan for future expansion if demand for charging increases.
  • Electricity tariff: Review your current electricity tariff to determine if it is suitable for the added load of EV charging. You may need to upgrade your service or switch to a more flexible tariff to avoid demand charges.
  • Solar power: Adding a commercial solar power system can offset the electricity usage of the EV chargers and reduce operating costs. Evaluate the feasibility of adding solar panels to your property, and consider whether you can take advantage of any local or state incentives.
  • Charging equipment: Choose the appropriate charging equipment based on your needs and budget. Level 2 chargers provide faster charging speeds but require more power and installation costs than Level 1 chargers. DC fast chargers offer the fastest charging speeds but are even more expensive and require a higher voltage supply.
  • Maintenance and management: Establish a plan for ongoing maintenance and management of the charging stations. This includes regular inspections, software updates, and repairing any damages or malfunctions. You may also want to consider implementing a system to track usage and revenue.

Once you have submitted your application, the WA Department of Transport will assess it based on the eligibility criteria and the availability of funding. If your application is successful, you will receive a letter of offer, which outlines the grant amount and any conditions that you need to comply with.

Solar Market can assist businesses with obtaining quotes from qualified and eligible suppliers under the WA Charge Up Workplace Grants Program. Fill out the form in the top right corner of this page and we’ll connect you with 2 trusted local suppliers who can quote you on your new EV charging set up.