ARENA Provides $25.3M to NewVolt for Victorian Electric Truck Fast-Charging Network
Summary
ARENA has announced up to $25.3 million in funding for NewVolt to build three open-access, fast-charging hubs for heavy and medium electric trucks in Melbourne's western, south-eastern, and northern suburbs. The project, the first phase of NewVolt's planned national network, will support between 50 and 100 electric trucks operating heavy freight across greater Melbourne. The first site is targeted to open in late 2026, with the remaining hubs delivered through 2027. The project is funded through ARENA's Driving the Nation Program.
“The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced up to $25.3 million in funding for NewVolt to build a shared fast‑charging network for electric trucks in Victoria, to support the electrification of Australian road freight.”
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ARENA has approved up to $25.3 million in funding for NewVolt to construct three open-access, high-powered fast-charging hubs for heavy and medium electric trucks along major freight corridors in Melbourne's west, south-eastern and northern suburbs. The funding, drawn from ARENA's Driving the Nation Program, will also support the deployment of 50 to 100 electric trucks in the foundation fleet phase.
Freight operators and fleet managers considering electrification should note that shared charging infrastructure is being actively subsidised to lower barriers to entry. The first hub is expected to open in late 2026, with full network delivery across 2027. NewVolt, founded in 2019, positions the network as purpose-built for trucks with price-certain, scheduled fast charging powered by renewable energy.
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Home > News > ARENA investment helps freight shift from diesel to electric trucks
ARENA investment helps freight shift from diesel to electric trucks
News | 30 March 2026 NewVolt Electrified Freight Network | Electric vehicles The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has announced up to $25.3 million in funding for NewVolt to build a shared fast‑charging network for electric trucks in Victoria, to support the electrification of Australian road freight.
NewVolt will deliver three open-access, fast‑charging hubs for heavy and medium electric trucks along major freight corridors in Melbourne’s west, south-east and northern suburbs. The charging hubs will provide fast charging to both foundation fleet customers and the broader industry. ARENA’s investment includes support for between 50 and 100 electric trucks operating heavy freight across greater Melbourne in what represents the first phase of NewVolt’s planned national network.
ARENA CEO Darren Miller said projects like this are critical to cutting emissions from one of Australia’s hardest‑to‑abate sectors.
“Heavy freight is one of the toughest forms of transport to electrify. It relies on high-powered, reliable charging and today the upfront cost of new trucks and infrastructure is a real barrier,” Mr Miller said.
“By backing shared charging infrastructure projects like NewVolt, ARENA is lowering the barrier to entry for a broader spectrum of operators and building the foundations of a national electric freight network.”
Mr Miller said the project would also help strengthen Australia’s energy security.
“Australia’s freight supply chain is reliant on imported diesel. Decarbonising our heavy freight is not only good for emissions, but it also means the freight sector will be protected from international oil price volatility. Projects like this can help build a more resilient transport system by powering trucks with Australian electricity instead.”
The first site is targeted to open in late 2026, with the remaining hubs to be delivered through 2027.
NewVolt CEO and Co-Founder Anthony Headlam said, “Since we founded NewVolt in 2019, our mission has been to fast-track the Australian freight industry’s transition to electric trucks. ARENA’s investment helps bring forward that transition.”
“The NewVolt Network represents foundational infrastructure for heavy vehicle electrification. The network is purpose-built for trucks – offering price-certain, scheduled fast charging for fleets large and small, powered by renewable energy. The trucks are now available in the market and the business case for fleets to electrify keeps getting better. Our network helps fleets deploy those trucks confidently.”
The project is funded through ARENA’s Driving the Nation Program, which aims to help industry build confidence in electric freight solutions and accelerate emissions reductions across Australia’s transport sector. For more information on Driving the Nation including program guidelines, eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit ARENA’s funding page.
About ARENA’s focus on Decarbonising Transport
Decarbonising transport is a key strategic priority for ARENA. Transport plays a vital role as an enabler of Australia’s economy, yet is responsible for around 20% of Australia’s emissions. The government’s latest Transport and Infrastructure Sector Plan warns that as the economy grows, demand is projected to rise for transport modes across land, air and sea until at least 2050.
To address this challenge, ARENA is currently focused on supporting projects that accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles and low-carbon fuels across both light and heavy road transport. Read more about these focus areas on ARENA’s strategic priorities page.
ARENA media
media@arena.gov.au Download this media release (PDF 198KB) Back to the Newsroom
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