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Driving the Nation — Australia, 2025-26
Rolling Applications
Australian Renewable Energy Agency
Driving the Nation is an ARENA grant opportunity that is continuously open for applications supporting the uptake of zero emissions vehicles and related technologies. It funds projects that overcome barriers to ZEV adoption, integrate battery electric vehicles into the grid, demonstrate new technologies and business models, and build skills and knowledge.
Deadline
Rolling / Ongoing
Location
Australia
Who Can Apply
• Must meet the eligibility criteria in Part 3 of the Driving the Nation Guidelines
• Must engage with ARENA prior to submitting an Expression of Interest
• Must create an account with ARENANet to apply
• Must generally use the two-stage application process unless exempted by ARENA
• Must attach a Project Plan with the application
• May need to provide additional documents such as a financial model, risk management plan, community consultation plan, and knowledge sharing plan
• Project must contribute to one or more program objectives related to zero emissions vehicles
• Project must align with at least one current focus area: Trucks, Charging, V2G or Innovation
Eligibility criteria are set out in Part 3 of the Driving the Nation Guidelines and must be adhered to in order to be considered for funding. Applicants are instructed to engage with ARENA before submitting an Expression of Interest. Applications are submitted through ARENANet, generally using a two-stage process unless ARENA grants an exemption for a one-stage full application. All applications must include a Project Plan, and additional attachments such as a financial model, risk management plan, community consultation plan, and knowledge sharing plan may also be required.
What's Funded
Projects that demonstrate and deploy heavy battery electric vehicles, deploy heavy BEV charging solutions, support vehicle-to-grid and innovation activities, optimise BEV integration into the grid, and build skills, capacity and knowledge relevant to zero emissions vehicle technologies.Before you apply
Check Driving the Nation fit and evidence gaps
Use this business grant page to sanity-check eligibility, funding fit, evidence gaps and application effort before you commit days to drafting. If you already know the grant you want, the 48-hour audit gives a practical go/no-go view, reviewer-readiness score and next-step risks.
Get a 48-hour grant fit auditExpected Outcomes
Accelerated uptake of zero emissions vehicles, improved integration of battery electric vehicles into the electricity grid, demonstration of new technologies and business models, expanded charging solutions, and increased skills, capacity and knowledge in ZEV technologies.Key Information
Applicant Types
companypartnershiptrustnon_profitcooperativelocal_governmentuniversityindigenous_organisationother
Stage
any
Funding Purposes
innovationsustainabilitycommercialisationtrainingother
Keywords
zero emissions vehiclesZEVbattery electric vehiclesBEVheavy vehiclescharging infrastructurevehicle to gridV2G
Frequently Asked Questions
1
What is the Driving the Nation?
The Driving the Nation is a business grant offered by Australian Renewable Energy Agency in Australia. Driving the Nation is an ARENA grant opportunity that is continuously open for applications supporting the uptake of zero emissions vehicles and related technologies. It funds projects that overcome barriers to ZEV adoption, integrate battery electric vehicles into the grid, demonstrate new technologies and business models, and build skills and knowledge.
2
Who is eligible for the Driving the Nation?
- Must meet the eligibility criteria in Part 3 of the Driving the Nation Guidelines
- Must engage with ARENA prior to submitting an Expression of Interest
- Must create an account with ARENANet to apply
- Must generally use the two-stage application process unless exempted by ARENA
- Must attach a Project Plan with the application
- May need to provide additional documents such as a financial model, risk management plan, community consultation plan, and knowledge sharing plan
- Project must contribute to one or more program objectives related to zero emissions vehicles
- Project must align with at least one current focus area: Trucks, Charging, V2G or Innovation
3
What activities are funded?
Projects that demonstrate and deploy heavy battery electric vehicles, deploy heavy BEV charging solutions, support vehicle-to-grid and innovation activities, optimise BEV integration into the grid, and build skills, capacity and knowledge relevant to zero emissions vehicle technologies.
4
How do I apply for the Driving the Nation?
Start by checking your eligibility using the free Beta Docs eligibility checker. If eligible, Beta Docs' AI-powered platform can help you draft, review, and refine your application to maximise your chances of success.
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