Canberra backs future fuels deployment

The federal government is rolling out an expanded $250 million Future Fuels Fund to support uptake of low and zero emissions vehicles in commercial fleets over the next four years.

Businesses will be able to apply for grants under the second round of the fund to support the uptake of low and zero emissions vehicles, public charging infrastructure, public hydrogen refuelling stations, and private household smart charger installations.

Up to $127.9 million will be available to support the integration of electric vehicle technologies into both light and heavy vehicle fleets, as well as to support the commercialisation of hydrogen as a transport fuel in fleets.

The program will be managed by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

Through the Future Fuels and Vehicles Strategy, the government has committed $2.1 billion to partner with industry to support the uptake of low and zero emissions vehicles.

Minister for industry Angus Taylor said: “Through co-funding the essential enabling infrastructure – such as charging stations or even electrical upgrades to three phase power – we will ensure Australian business can embrace technologies that will help to both save on their operation costs and reduce emissions.

“Including hydrogen refuelling as a priority area will help accelerate the decarbonisation of heavy and long-distance vehicle fleets where battery EVs may not be a viable option.

“This fleets-first approach will also create a larger market for second-hand vehicles, which will improve affordability and accessibility for other consumers.”

Picture: H2X Global/hydrogen fuel cell utility vehicle

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