Subsidies for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure in Europe

A significant transformation is underway in the European mobility landscape, with electrified vehicles becoming increasingly numerous across all segments — cars, vans, buses, and trucks. This shift marks a definitive move towards more sustainable transportation. In 2024, there are still challenges to fully adopting eMobility, such as reduced subsidies for electric vehicles in some European countries. However, the market is strong and technology is advancing, so the shift towards electrification is still going strong.

Financial incentives are still available to support your transition to greener mobility and now is the best time to get your depot ready for eMobility! Good preparation is key and can improve your readiness. Here to help navigate this transition, we've highlighted some available grants in different European countries below:  

United Kingdom: ZEBRA 2 programs continues

In the UK, the ZEBRA 2 program remains available for the financial year 2024/2025, providing up to £143 million to support 955 zero-emission buses (ZEBs). Additionally, the Workplace Charging Scheme offers grants for small and medium-sized businesses to reduce the cost of installing EV charging stations and supporting infrastructure for staff and fleet vehicles, with funding confirmed until March 31, 2025. Grants are also available for landlords to install EV charge points and infrastructure in rental and leasehold properties.

Find out more about UK granted fundings here.

Learn more about the ZEBRA 2 program here.

Germany: Charging infrastructure for trucks

The German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMDV) has announced a new round of funding for commercial EV charging infrastructure, started June 3. This €150 million extension supports the electrification of fleets for both SMEs and large enterprises, including the transport and logistics sectors, crafts and trades businesses, and care services. Funding per application is limited to €5 million, covering up to 40% of costs for SMEs and up to 20% for large companies, with procurement and installation required to be completed within 18 months of approval.

Find more information here.

Austria: Funded programs are bundled

Austria's new Zero Emission Mobility Plus grant program, funded with €9 million from the Climate Protection Ministry (BMK), aims to create an integrated mobility system based on smart power grids and essential refueling and charging infrastructure. To help Austria achieve climate neutrality by 2040, the electrification of the transport sector is crucial. The program supports projects related to Zero Emission Vehicles and Zero Emission Infrastructure, with applications open until October 2, 2024.

More information on the Klimafonds website.

In the Netherlands and Belgium: Various subsidies available

The Benelux region is making strides in incentivizing electric mobility through various subsidy schemes. In 2024, new subsidy schemes for zero-emission trucks will beavailable again in The Netherlands.Subsidies for the transport sector include the Subsidy Scheme for Zero Emission Trucks (AanZET), the Subsidy Scheme for Clean and Emission-Free Construction Equipment (SSEB), the Environmental Investment Allowance (MIA), the Energy Investment Allowance (EIA), a new subsidy for charging stations and infrastructure, and various provincial subsidies. An additional budget may become available by the end of 2024, enabling further applications to be submitted.

Belgium offers several subsidies to support the adoption of electric vehicles. In Wallonia, companies can apply for investment grants for truck equipment aimed at reducing emissions. Find out more information here.

In Flanders, the Ecologiepremie+ program provides substantial support for electric buses, trucks, and non-public charging stations. SMEs can receive up to 32% subsidy for electric trucks, while large companies can get up to 24%. More information is available on the VLAIO website.

4 steps to get your depot ready for electrification

While subsidies may ebb and flow, the overarching trend towards electric mobility remains steadfast. If you plan to transition your fleet in the future, it is wise to start today. Preparation takes time, so consider these initial steps before ordering or tendering, even during periods when subsidies are not available. This will position you to move quickly when the right moment arrives:

  1. Define your charging needs: Identify your business’s current and future charging requirements, considering potential fleet growth, to kickstart your electrification journey.
  1. Market research: Conduct market research on vehicles and charging solutions that meet your needs.
  1. Grid capacity: Assess grid capacities and determine if expansion is necessary and feasible.
  1. Depot assessment: Check whether you can implement charging infrastructure in your existing depot or if a new one is needed. Which areas of your depot are ideal for installing chargers?

By taking these steps now, you can ensure you are well-prepared to take advantage of subsidies and move forward swiftly when the opportunity arises.

In conclusion, the path to electrification in Europe comes with its challenges, but it is defined by significant progress and steadfast determination. Electric vehicles, aligned with EU climate targets, symbolize a cleaner, greener future. Through strategic investments, collaborative efforts, and supportive policies, Europe is well-positioned to spearhead the transition to a more sustainable transportation ecosystem.

If you're ready to start your journey towards eMobility or have questions about how to best prepare, reach out to us. Our EV charging experts are here to help you navigate the transition and ensure your success in adopting electric vehicles. Take the next step towards a greener future.

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