FAQ – Charge Up Grants

Am I eligible to apply?

The following organisations are eligible for Charge Up grants:

• Not-for-profits registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission.
• Local Government Authorities as established under the Local Government Act 1995.
• Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with less than 200 employees and not part of a large corporation (aggregate turnover more than $250 million). This includes SMEs who are:
  • A franchisee of a large business
  • Landowners if a substantial proportion of site occupants with access to the charger are eligible organisations
  • Charge point operators if grant funding is required to ensure continued commercial viability, and if a substantial proportion of site occupants with access to the charger are eligible.

You are not eligible for the Charge Up grants if you fall into these categories:

• Large businesses with an annual aggregate turnover exceeding $250 million
• Strata management companies, noting that a strata management company may support an application made by a strata company
• State and Federal Government entities
• Home-run businesses in residential settings, including holiday rental properties
• Political organisations and unions
• Organisations seeking grant funding on behalf of another organisation
• Residential customers.

If you do not meet the eligibility criteria but have a strong case for a successful application, please contact the Charge Up team at chargeup@demirs.wa.gov.au 

What costs are covered by the grant?

The Charge Up Grants will co-fund up to 50 per cent for the purchase, installation and maintenance of EV charging hardware, mandatory software subscription and network upgrade costs (if required).

Purchase of EV charging hardware

• Types of chargers: single or dual port AC or DC chargers ranging from 7kW to 350kW as long as they are on the Charge Up Round 3 Approved List of Software and Hardware (EV Chargers).
• Number of chargers: up to four EV chargers per site, with up to five sites per applicant.

Installation of EV charger(s)

• There are funding caps for the installation of chargers that vary depending on the site location and charger size.
• Regional and remote areas are defined as all parts of the State that are not in the Greater Perth area
• Installation funding capped in the Greater Perth area at $5,000 per site (up to 150kW charger) and $10,000 per site (over 150kW) (funding caps are GST exclusive)
• Installation funding capped in regional WA at $10,000 per site (up to 150kW) and $20,000 per site (over 150kW) (funding caps are GST exclusive).

Eligible installation works

• Maintenance plan for a two-year period (mandatory for public chargers)
• Civil works, including trenching and laying plinths
• Electrical works, such as cabling and switchboard upgrades
• Purchase and installation of energy management systems (if required)
• Commissioning of hardware and/or software
• Credit card reader.

Electricity network upgrades (if required) related to charger installation

• Network costs include charges for stand-alone power systems payable to Western Power, Horizon Power or Boundary Power
• A funding cap of up to $150,000 per site applies for network upgrades with Western Power
• A funding cap of up to $225,000 per site applies for network upgrades with Horizon Power.

Purchase of software subscription

• A two-year software subscription is mandatory to be eligible for grant funding
• Software must be selected from an approved software supplier and platform on the Round 3 Approved List of Software and Hardware
• It is important you select your software before selecting a charger, as some chargers may not be compatible with your selected software.

What costs are excluded from the grant?

The following expenses are ineligible for funding support:

• Grant application costs
• Feasibility studies, business case development or council approval costs (if required)
• Chargers that have already been purchased and/or installed
• Chargers not listed on the approved EV charger list
• Software subscriptions not listed on the approved EV charger software list
• Additional charger cables (EV drivers typically carry their own)
• Ongoing costs to operate charger(s)
• Internet costs
• Electricity supply costs
• Salaries or staffing expenses
• Promotion or marketing costs (including signage)
• Optional costs such as bay painting, installing bollards and adding cable holders
• Equipment installed for future EV charging infrastructure.

Who can help me develop a project and how much will it cost?

Installation costs for your charger(s) depends largely on the need for extensive construction work and/or network upgrades, which alone can add approximately $50,000 to $100,000.

To help limit costs, you should collaborate with an EV installer or contractor to design your project, assess site needs, and provide quotes.

Note: Costs for project development and quote preparation are not covered by the Charge Up Gant Program.

What quotes are required, how can I obtain them, and what key details should be included?

Before submitting a Charge Up grant application, you must obtain quotes from an independent party for the following: 

1. Supply of EV charging hardware
2. Supply of a two-year software subscription
3. Installation of the EV chargers.  

These quotes are essential for assessing your application and determining the appropriate grant funding amounts. Additionally, your application may also require a quote for network upgrades from your network provider. Before obtaining this quote, please contact the Charge Up team chargeup@demirs.wa.gov.au.

It is recommended that you do your own research and get several quotes from qualified and experienced professionals. Quotes must be obtained from either (i) an Approved Software Supplier, (ii) an electrical contractor and/or (iii) an EV charger installer. All parties must be fully independent to the grant applicant. 

Each quote must individually itemise the costs for the following items, of which the hardware and software components must be from the Round 3 Approved List of Software and Hardware (Approved List):

• EV charger hardware (manufacturer, type, size, and model)
• EV charger installation (civil and electrical works, with maintenance plan cost)
• Two-year software subscription (platform and provider).

Costs outside these three categories are not eligible for grant funding and must be listed separately on the quote. This includes ineligible installation works.

For more information regarding the quoting process, and to view sample quote structures, please read the Commercial Quote Requirements document.

What different types of EV chargers are funded?

Chargers are rated in kilowatts (kW), which indicates the amount of power it can deliver. Generally speaking, the higher the kW the faster the charge.

For Round 3 of Charge Up, two types of EV chargers are eligible for funding

• Level 2 AC chargers (single-phase or three-phase) with a charging capacity of 7 to 22kW
• Level 3 DC chargers with a charging capacity of 24 to 350kW.

Further details are provided in the table below.

How can I determine the right charger type for my organisation?

If the EV charger is primarily intended for vehicles that remain stationary for several hours – such as those used by employees, visitors, or fleet vehicles while drivers are sleeping, working, shopping, or dining, an AC charger is likely the most suitable option.

For chargers primarily serving the public for quick charging or fleet vehicles with high usage during operating hours, a faster DC charger may be more appropriate.

The Charge Up Team has developed three Project Guides (linked below) to help you design your project and understand what charger(s) may best suit your site.

These guides have been tailored for the three most common types of EV charging.

Destination charging:

• EV drivers can remain engaged in activities for several hours while their vehicle charges, such as tourist attractions, dining venues, recreational facilities or accommodations
• Slower charging is usually suitable, as EV drivers stay on-site for longer periods.

Workplace Charging:

• Enables employees to charge their vehicles during work hours
• Supports the transition of fleet vehicles to EVs by providing dedicated charging infrastructure. May also accommodate visitors and the public, provided the primary purpose is charging employee EVs or fleet vehicles.

Public DC Charging:

Available 24/7 at accessible locations for EV drivers needing a quick charge (under one hour) while en route, using high-speed DC chargers (24 – 350kW). EV drivers pay to charge their vehicle. 

What is software and why is software mandatory?

Software refers to the digital platform or application (app) that manages and monitors the operation of EV chargers, including features like charging sessions, user access, and energy management.

Software is mandatory for the following reasons:

• To ensure that charging primarily takes place during the day (9am-5pm), rather than during the evening peak (5pm to 9pm). See here to understand why daytime charging is important.
• The installed software will be crucial for data capture, enabling the assessment of the impact of Charge Up grants.

Software can also offer a range of additional benefits, including:

• Displaying charger location, availability and costs visible to drivers
• Managing billing (necessary if you plan to charge EV drivers)
• Tracking usage patterns and identifying peak usage times
• Monitoring energy consumption and charger performance
• Detecting and managing maintenance issues.

How can I choose a software supplier?

If you have multiple chargers, it is worth understanding offers from various suppliers as each will provide alternative features and different fee structures.

The Approved List provides high level information on software prices, variable costs and charger products that work with the eligible software platforms available from approved suppliers.  

Why can I only submit one site per application?

Applicants must submit a separate application for each site (maximum of 5 applications per funding round). This helps DEMIRS to expedite payment for sites as we can reimburse you once the installation at each site is completed (you do not have to wait for all sites to be completed). 

Where do I submit my application?

Applications must be submitted via the application portal on SmartyGrants before 5pm on 30 June 2025.

You can preview the application form on SmartyGrants to familiarise yourself with the information required. It is also recommended that you review the relevant Project Guide before submitting your application.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email confirming receipt. Please note, this email does not indicate approval.

Note: Chargers installed prior to receiving notification of a successful application are not eligible for co-funding.

When will I know if my application has been successful?

You will be contacted about your application via email, within about 20 business days of submission with relevant information and next steps. In some cases, the Charge Up team may require clarification or more information to continue assessing your application.

Charge point operators (CPOs) and applications seeking grant funding over $75,000 may take longer as they will also be assessed by the Grants Program Steering Committee.

Once the criteria are met and your project is approved, you will receive a notification email. The email will include the approved site(s), the co-funding amount and details of the documentation you will need to submit following installation to receive your grant funds. 

How can I get help if I am having issues with my grant application form?

If you are having an issue with the SmartyGrants portal when submitting your application for Round 3 of Charge Up, please visit the SmartyGrants Help Guide for Applicants.

If you are having an issue with the contents of the grant application, please contact the Charge Up Team at chargeup@demirs.wa.gov.au.

How do I edit my application once it has been submitted?

If you wish to make changes to an application once it has been submitted, you will need to contact the Charge Up team at chargeup@demirs.wa.gov.au providing the reason/s for the changes. The team will then re-open your application, prefilled with the previous answers.

You will then be able to log in to your Smarty Grants account and make edits, ensuring everything is correct before pressing the submit button. 

What happens if I am successful?

If successful, you must proceed with installation within 6 months (for AC charger sites) or 18 months (for sites with at least one DC charger) from the approval date at the location specified in your application. You will receive this information from the Charge Up team when you are notified of the outcome.

Once installed, you will:

• Be reimbursed after you have met the grant requirements and lodged a Reimbursement Form
• Subscribe to a maintenance program for the chargers for at least two years and ensure the chargers remain installed for at least five years
• If required, provide additional information and data on charger use (from software).

See the Funding Guidelines for further information on the terms and conditions. 

When can I expect to receive the grant funds if my application is approved?

You will receive grant funds after installation of the chargers. Once the installation is complete you will need to provide evidence of the charger/s being installed via the application portal. Include all relevant invoice(s), including one from an approved software supplier, a photograph of the installed charger in situ, and a photograph of the serial number(s) for each charger.

Payment will then be made by direct bank transfer. We will endeavour to ensure that the approved funds are transferred to you within 20 business days after receipt of the required documentation.

Important Note: Do not purchase your charger or commence installation before receiving formal approval.  We are unable to reimburse any expense incurred prior to the issuance of your Charge Up grant approval.

If my grant is approved and I choose not to proceed with the chargers, can I opt out?

Yes. You must notify the Charge Up team via email if you do not intend to proceed with installation of the EV chargers. This will enable your grant funding to be reallocated to another applicant. Please email chargeup@demirs.wa.gov.au.

Which sites are eligible for funding?

The following criteria apply:

• Site must be located in Western Australia
• Your organisation must occupy and own the land or have required permission from the landowner before applying.

For installations in a shared carpark, a majority of site occupants with access to the charger(s) must be eligible organisations.

What should I consider when arranging installation of the charger?

Discuss these key considerations with your installer or electrical contractor to ensure a safe and efficient installation:

• DC chargers are heavy and require concrete footings and specialist lifting equipment, which your installer will manage
• Trenching and overhead work can pose risks to pedestrians, plan for safe access, diversions, and necessary safety measures like signs and barriers
• Highway sites require extra caution, as fast-moving vehicles may endanger workers and equipment.

How many vehicle chargers can I install per site?

You can apply for up to four chargers per site, which means you could recharge up to eight vehicles at the same time if dual port chargers are selected. A dual port charger is considered to be one charger under the grant assessment process.

What happens if my site requires a network upgrade?

A network upgrade may be required if there is insufficient power at a site to support additional electrical load from the charger(s). The cost of this upgrade is considered an eligible expense. This upgrade increases the power supply, enabling the new equipment to function and is more commonly needed for DC chargers. If your installer identifies this need, follow these steps:

1. Request that your installer or electrical contractor obtains an official quote from your network operator (make sure they mention Charge Up).

   Tip: To avoid incurring unnecessary quote fees, contact the Charge Up team to undertake a preliminary assessment.

2. The network provider will then engage an engineer to determine the scope of works and costs. Once you have an official quote, contact the Charge Up team to re-open your application to submit the quote.

Network upgrades can sometimes incur costs exceeding $100,000. To avoid these costly upgrades, you are encouraged to refer to the Charge Up EV Charging Grant Project Guides or contact the Charge Up team for further guidance.

To minimise the need for expensive network upgrades, consider the following steps:

1. Ask your installer or electrical contractor to advise how much spare electrical capacity is at your site (by inspecting your switchboard).
2. Select charger(s) that are appropriately sized to fit within the available capacity at your site or consider alternative sites if necessary.

Why does the grant encourage daytime and overnight charging?

Charge Up encourages EV charging during the day and overnight, as opposed to during the evening peak period of 5pm to 9pm. This not only makes great use of the abundant solar energy flowing through the electricity grid during the day but also reduces the impact on the wider electricity grid during peak use times, especially as more people make the switch to EVs.

Charging during peak demand periods (5pm to 9pm) is not preferable, as it puts more strain on the network, as well as missing out on the high volumes of solar generation. For more information, read the Guidelines and the Benefits of daytime charging. 

How can I encourage charging outside of peak hours (5–9 pm)?

Different options for managing peak charging are appropriate for different use cases.

Public chargers: If your charger(s) are going to be available to members of the public (including visitors), you should ideally make the charger(s) available 24/7 and make the price for charging during peak times more expensive. This type of billing arrangement can be implemented using any of the software programs on the Charge Up Approved List. You should not implement trickle charging or turn chargers off from 5pm to 9pm in these situations.

Fleet/employee EV chargers: Fleet/employee EV charging should not occur during the evening peak period of 5pm to 9pm unless it is necessary as a business/operational requirement. Vehicles should be charged during the day or can be scheduled to commence their overnight charge after 9pm.

Note: These are general rules only. Exceptions apply where needed to satisfy business/operational requirements or where appropriate alternative arrangements are proposed by the applicant.