The Victorian Government has opened applications for the $8 million Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment Program which will provide grants of up to $300,000 for small and medium-sized freight businesses.
The grants will support investment in cleaner vehicles, charging infrastructure, low-emissions fuels and new technologies – and are part of the Government’s wider plan to decarbonise Victoria’s $36 billion freight sector.
It has previously announced a $1.5 million Victorian Electric Heavy Vehicle Trial in partnership with the Victorian Transport Association to give businesses real-world experience with electric heavy vehicles.
Victoria’s freight industry employs around 240,000 people. It moves approximately 440 million tonnes of freight each year. This is expected to grow significantly in the decades ahead.
Minister for Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio says that by supporting businesses to invest in cleaner technology now, the programs will help reduce emissions, improve air quality and cut costs. They will also support local jobs, especially in communities along key freight routes.
“Supporting industry to adopt low and zero-emission vehicles is critical to cutting emissions and building a stronger, more resilient economy,” she says.
The initiatives will also help Victorian freight businesses save money by becoming less reliant on fuel and adopt cleaner, more efficient operations, adds Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne.
“We know the cost of fuel is hurting our freight operators which is why rolling out these programs will help freight businesses cut costs, boost efficiency and modernise their fleets for the future,” she says.
“We’re making it easier for operators to save on running costs while transitioning to cleaner, more reliable technology.”
Applications are now open for the Victorian Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment Program and the Victorian Electric Heavy Vehicle Trial.
Expressions of interest (EOI) for the Freight Decarbonisation Co-Investment Program close at 4:00pm on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. For more information – and to submit an EOI – click here.