The Future Fuels initiative aims to drive the uptake of electric cars and improve motorist confidence, Energy and Emissions Reduction Minister Angus Taylor said.

The first round of grants will target sites in regional areas, including Wollongong, the Central Coast, Geelong, the Sunshine Coast and the Gold Coast.

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Each regional location is expected to receive a minimum of four fast charging stations each.

"The first round of the Future Fuels Fund will encourage additional EV fleet uptake in metropolitan areas and reduce concerns about their capacity to travel longer distances in regional Australia," Mr Taylor said.

"The program will make it easier for consumers in regional Australia, as well as fleet owners, taxi operators and businesses, to access the infrastructure they need to embrace new technologies."

Applications for the first round of the Future Fuels Fund will close on April 6.

Mr Taylor announced the $74.5 million Future Fuels Package in last year's budget, to help consumers, businesses and communities to take advantage of opportunities offered by new technologies including hybrid vehicles, battery electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

Australian Associated Press

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