ChargeSmart 3 Guidelines

The Tasmanian Government is offering $550,000 in grants to expand Tasmania’s public electric vehicle (EV) charging network, as part of the Transport Emissions Reduction and Resilience Plan 2024‑29. This is the third round of the ChargeSmart Electric Vehicle Charging Grants program. The previous rounds were offered in 2018 and 2021.

The first two rounds of ChargeSmart successfully installed 33 public fast chargers and 46 destination chargers.

Cars and light vehicles are major contributors to Tasmania’s greenhouse gas emissions from transport. Supporting the uptake of EVs is an important way to lower transport emissions and may result in other benefits for Tasmanians, such as lower vehicle operating costs.

Tasmania already has a statewide public EV charging network supported by the previous ChargeSmart programs. A map of government-funded fast chargers in Tasmania can be found at recfit.tas.gov.au/chargesmart

As EVs become more common, this network will need to expand in terms of the number and size of stations to ensure that EV drivers can continue to travel around the state efficiently. Launching the third ChargeSmart program will improve the reliability and expand the availability of public charging stations at existing and new locations to give EV drivers the choice of where and when to recharge.

The third iteration of ChargeSmart aims to address:

• gaps in the network
• increasing capacity (such as size or additional locations) in key areas, such as cities and arterial routes (for example the Midlands and Bass Highways)
• increasing the capacity of existing stations
• applying the Australian Government's Minimum Operating Standards for Government-supported Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure (the national minimum operating standards) for new installations.

Additional aims for charging stations include:

• layouts that allow larger vehicles or towing vehicles
• accessible and all-weather access (awnings or roofing, lighting and surveillance).

The following outcomes can be expected as a direct result of this grant program:

• Current and potential EV owners have greater confidence in Tasmania's EV charging network coverage, capacity and reliability.
• Increased capacity at key locations.
• The distance between charging stations is minimised.
• Charging gaps in the Central Highlands and Central Plateau areas are addressed.
• Public charging stations meet, or plan to meet, national minimum standards for accessibility, payment, and safety.

The Tasmanian Government is offering individual grants of up to $50,000 to businesses, organisations, and local governments. Applicants can apply for a grant of any amount up to $50,000 but must also co-contribute an amount at least the same as the approved grant funding. The grants are to cover the upfront cost of purchasing and installing Direct Current (DC) electric vehicle fast charging infrastructure for public use or upgrading infrastructure at an existing public charging station. The total funding available is $550,000.

This is a competitive grant process with limited funding. After the application closing date, a panel will assess all applications comparatively against the assessment criteria. Before applying, see our website for details: recfit.tas.gov.au/chargesmart

Due to the limited funding, applications that meet the eligibility criteria will not automatically receive a grant and not all applications will be successful.

The Department of State Growth will administer this program on behalf of the Crown in Right of Tasmania.

To be eligible for a grant, you must be one of the following:

1. A local government agency or body.
2. A not-for-profit incorporated organisation.
3. A not-for-profit or community group that is not incorporated if sponsored by an incorporated organisation. The sponsoring organisation must provide a letter to confirm it will accept the relevant legal and financial requirements.
4. A for-profit incorporated organisation.
5. A business holding an active Australian Business Number continuously since, on or before 1 January 2025 and be registered for GST (if applicable).

Eligible entities may apply for grant funding for multiple locations but must submit separate applications for each location. Please rank multiple applications in order of funding priority. We will not consider multiple applications from the same applicant for the same location. Joint applications from a group of organisations are welcome. A lead organisation that is eligible to apply for the grant will need to lodge the grant application on behalf of the group, enter into the grant agreement, and be responsible for the grant.

If you have any questions about the eligibility criteria, contact the Climate Change Office by email at climatechange@recfit.tas.gov.au or by phone on 03 6166 4466.

You may be asked to provide information or documentation to support your eligibility claims, either during the application process or after submitting your application.

The information you provide may be subject to authenticity checks using third-party software.

You are not eligible for this grant if you are:

• A state or Australian government agency, Government Business Enterprise or State-Owned Company.
• Any business that is for sale, planning towards sale, trading insolvent, or under external administration or bankruptcy at the time of applying.

You may not be eligible for this grant if you:

• Have previously failed to acquit a grant awarded to you by the Tasmanian Government.

Eligible expenditure for the grant funding provided by the Tasmanian Government includes the cost of:

1. Purchasing direct current (DC) Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), including associated connections. EVSE must provide a minimum charge rate of 50kW, meet the national minimum operating standards for plug types, and be universally accessible.
2. Installing charging infrastructure. A licenced electrical contractor must install charging infrastructure and meet relevant Australian Standards.
3. Civil works such as trenching and laying plinths.
4. Electrical works such as cabling and switchboard upgrades.
5. Credit card reader.
6. Complying with relevant Australian Standards for carparks and parking bays, such as bay painting and installing bollards.

The below expenditure is ineligible for the grant funding provided by the Tasmanian Government:

1. Reimbursement of retrospective project expenditure.
2. General operational business expenses, including office expenses, salaries and wages, maintenance costs, accounting, legal, compliance, government fees and software licensing (installation or upgrades).
3. Costs associated with patents and intellectual property.
4. Feasibility studies, business case development or council approval costs (if required).

Before preparing a grant application, ensure you have completed these steps:

1. Select an intended new charging site or an existing charging station for upgrade. Upgrades can only be done by the current Charge Point Operator or site owner.
2. For new charging sites: Ensure you have ownership or permission from the site owner for installation and ongoing operation of the charging infrastructure. Identify if you will require planning approvals to alter the site, including laying concrete pads, trenching, cabling and installation.
3. For existing charging stations: Ensure you have ownership or permission from the site owner as required.
4. Hold an early engagement meeting with TasNetworks by visiting the ‘book a meeting’ page and emailing early.engagement@tasnetworks.com.au to discuss the suitability of the intended site or upgrade, including network capacity and whether the intended site may require network or transformer upgrades. In your enquiry include a reference to the Chargesmart 3 2025 grant program and whether it relates to the expansion of an existing site or new site(s).
5. Based on the information provided by TasNetworks and projected customer demand, consider appropriate charging infrastructure for your charging site that is accessible by all EV models.

The following information must be included in your application:

1. A Project Plan that includes:
   1. an 18-month timeline, including milestones and progress reporting, from planning to completion
   2. a monthly cash flow budget showing allocation of anticipated Tasmanian Government grant funding and at least the same amount in co-contribution funding
      • In-kind support can be included as part of your co-contribution, up to 20 per cent of the total project budget. This should be costed and itemised in your budget.
   3. if applicable for charging stations where a grant for an upgrade is sought, the previous 12 months' utilisation rate data and outage frequency, duration and reason (outages related to the equipment, not network outages affecting the site)
   4. consideration of the Australian Government's Minimum Operating Standards for Government-supported Public Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure or reasons where not practicable.
2. A high-level operation and maintenance plan that outlines:
   1. allocating resources to the ongoing operation and maintenance of the equipment, including insurance cover, customer service/helpline, in-house technicians or contracting third-party maintenance
   2. a preventative maintenance schedule and fault response protocols, including charger warranty period.
3. Evidence from TasNetworks that an early engagement meeting has occurred (for example, an email or report) and that TasNetworks did not identify any major impediments regarding the electricity supply network.
4. Evidence of your financial performance and position and your capacity to fund the project co‑contribution and successfully deliver the project, such as:
   1. a bank statement showing available cash, equity or loan
   2. previous annual business financial statements
   3. year-to-date profit and loss and balance sheets.

If financial statements are unavailable, applicants should ensure they supply other suitable information and evidence that enables an assessment of the applicant's financial viability to successfully deliver the project.

Eligible applications will be competitively assessed against the following criteria using the evidence provided by each applicant.

Preference will be given to applications that address where practical:

• layout that allows larger vehicles or vehicles towing loads
• accessible and all-weather access (awning or roofing, lighting, and surveillance)
• future-proofing for station expansion.

The assessment panel will include representatives from Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania, and TasNetworks.

This grant program will be competitively assessed based on the quality of information the applicant provides. Ensure all information is included when you apply. The assessment panel may request additional information from you or advice from other Tasmanian Government representatives about information provided in your application.

Applications will not be accepted after the program closes.

For queries about this program, contact:

• Climate Change Office, Renewables, Climate and Future Industries Tasmania (ReCFIT)
• Email: climatechange@recfit.tas.gov.au
• Phone: (03) 6166 4466

Applications should be submitted using the online SmartyGrants system.

For assistance using SmartyGrants, please see the applicant help guide

Contact us to discuss any issue preventing you from using SmartyGrants to submit your application.

1. Prepare: Before starting your application, read the program guidelines, the Application Requirements section, and the frequently asked questions (FAQs).
2. Start: The application form is available at recfit.tas.gov.au/chargesmart
3. Confirm: Ensure all information and documentation is accurate and attached. After you apply, you may not be able to change the information or provide additional information.
4. Submit: After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification. Keep this notification as confirmation of your submission.
5. Assessment: An independent panel will assess applications.
6. Notification: We will notify you of the outcome of your application.

We may ask you to provide information or documentation after you have submitted your application.

Unless otherwise advised, you must provide this information within three working days. If you don’t provide the information your application may be unsuccessful.

The information you provide may be subject to authenticity checks using third party software.

If your application is successful, you will be required to enter a legally binding funding agreement.

The funding agreement and these program guidelines provide the grant terms and conditions.

You will not receive payments until the funding agreement is completed and the payment terms and conditions have been met.

If your application is unsuccessful, you may appeal the decision.

The appeals process ensures that all applicants have been treated fairly.

We will consider appeals that relate to administrative process issues in grants management.

All requests must be in writing and addressed to Dr Sarah Russell, Director, Climate Change. Your request must be received within 28 days from the date of State Growth notifying you of the decision about your application.

For further information about the appeal process, contact climatechange@recfit.tas.gov.au

Once you have met the payment terms and conditions set out in your funding agreement, you will be asked to issue a valid tax invoice for the entire approved grant amount.

Invoices should be addressed to:

Department of State Growth

GPO BOX 536

HOBART TAS   7001

ABN: 36 388 980 563

You will be required to return some or all the funds if:

• you do not complete the activities required under the funding agreement
• you do not use any or all the funding provided
• your situation changes in a way that prevents completion of the grant, or
• we find that the information provided to us is false or misleading.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) may treat grants distributed under this program as income.

We strongly recommend that you seek independent advice from a tax advisor, financial advisor, and/or the ATO about the possible tax implications of receiving the grant before applying.

Grants distributed under this program attract Goods and Services Tax (GST).

If you are registered for GST, the grant amount will include GST. The successful applicant must supply State Growth with a valid tax invoice.

Information on invoices can be found on our Business Tasmania website: www.business.tas.gov.au/manage_a_business/invoices

If your application is successful, you must provide an acquittal at the conclusion of the grant.

An acquittal is a statement confirming that the grant was completed per the funding agreement.

14.1. How to acquit your grant

We will send you an acquittal form using SmartyGrants.

Your acquittal must include a Final Report that includes:

• the activities completed and their outcomes
• the income and expenditure
• evidence such as invoices, receipts, and images.

We may ask you to provide a Statement of Expenditure certified by an independent, professional auditor. You will be responsible for the cost of obtaining the certified Statement of Expenditure.

14.2. Failure to complete an acquittal

If you do not satisfactorily acquit your grant by the due date:

• you may be required to return the funding to State Growth
• you may be ineligible for other grants from State Growth.

Contact us to discuss any issue preventing you from acquitting your grant.

State Growth is accountable for its public funds spending, including grant provision. As part of the accountability process, State Growth may publicise, without further notice, information about the grants provided, including the level of financial assistance, the identity of the recipient, and the purpose of the financial assistance.

If you have received a grant from State Growth:

• despite any confidentiality or intellectual property right subsisting in the grant funding agreement or deed, a party may publish all or any part of the grant funding agreement or deed without reference to another party, and you consent to the disclosure of your name in this context
• all obligations under the Personal Information Protection Act 2004 (Tas) still apply.

You must take care to provide true and accurate information. Any information that is found to be false or misleading may result in action being taken and grant funds, if already provided, may be required to be repaid to State Growth.

Information provided to State Growth may be subject to disclosure in accordance with the Right to Information Act 2009.

Personal information will be managed in accordance with the Personal Information Protection Act 2004. This information may be accessed by the individual to whom it relates, on request to State Growth.

State Growth may use and disclose the information you provide for the purposes of discharging its functions under the program guidelines and otherwise for the purposes of the program and related uses. State Growth may also use information received in applications and during the delivery of the project for reporting purposes.

Although care has been taken in the preparation of this document, no warranty, express or implied, is given by the Crown in Right of Tasmania, as to the accuracy or completeness of the information it contains.

The Crown in Right of Tasmania accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage that may arise from anything contained in or omitted from or that may arise from the use of this document, and any person relying on this document and the information it contains does so at their own risk absolutely.

The Crown in Right of Tasmania does not accept liability or responsibility for any loss incurred by an applicant that are in any way related to the program.