A new grants program will help WA councils to fund some of the costs to purchase and install EV charging stations.

The WA Government has launched the Charge Up Workplace Grant Program, which will see $3.75 million made available to Local Governments, non-profits and small to medium businesses to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

WA Local Government Association (WALGA) President Cr Karen Chappel said the grants would help Councils provide more charging sites for the ever-growing number of electric vehicle owners in WA and help accelerate the sector’s transition to EVs.

“In the past few years EVs have become a regular site on our roads in metropolitan Perth and are being seen in increasing numbers on our regional roads and highways,” Cr Chappel said.

“The WA Government grants will help Local Governments provide the necessary infrastructure to further encourage the uptake of electric vehicles.

“Installing more charging stations across WA will help to tackle range anxiety, boost the ability for EV drivers to get out and see our State, and reduce carbon emissions.” 

The $3.75 million is available under round one of the $15 million Charge Up Workplace Grant Program, part of the WA Government’s $60 million package to boost electric vehicle uptake.

WALGA says it is supporting Local Governments to transition their fleets to EVs through streamlined procurement arrangements for charging infrastructure and management software.  

WALGA is also leading a project on behalf of the sector to the Commonwealth Governments ARENA Future Fuels Program, which has funding available for charging stations to support corporate fleet EVs.