3 funding programs with which the federal and state governments support the construction of charging stations

According to EU Commissioner Frans Timmermans, combustion engines are threatened with extinction from 2035. For this statement to become reality, however, a massive expansion of charging stations for electric cars is needed. To this end, various funding pots have been created in Germany that specifically promote the construction of charging stations. Today we would like to give you an overview of three such programs.

We will also be happy to determine the appropriate program for you within the framework of a funding quick check. We offer this quickly and inexpensively. Please do not hesitate to contact us.

This article reflects the status as of 5 April 2022.
 

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Where can funding be found?

It is often not easy to find funding. The best-known place to go is www.foerderdatenbank.de - a service provided by the federal government. The platform is tried and tested, contains the most important subsidies - and is unfortunately also very confusing.

The authors have therefore also founded the platform www.foerdermittelnetzwerk.de. There are not only extensive overviews of funding in various areas, but also many basic materials on funding. They help companies with their applications. You can register there free of charge.
 

 

Funding programs at the federal level

First, let's take a look at the federal level - here, funding is provided from federal funds.

 

1. "Non-publicly accessible charging stations for electric vehicles - businesses and municipalities"

If you set up charging stations for electric cars at locations that are not publicly accessible, you can receive a grant from the program "Non-publicly accessible charging stations for electric vehicles" under certain conditions. You can find a detailed description of the program here.
 
The most important key data at a glance:

• The funding body is the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV).
• Municipalities and companies can apply for the funding.
• It is granted as an investment grant, which can amount to up to 70 % of the eligible expenditure.

 
Funding is provided for:

• the purchase price of the new charging station with a maximum of 22 kilowatts charging capacity per charging point, including battery storage,
• associated energy management systems or charging management systems for controlling the charging station,
• the grid connection as well as necessary technical and constructional measures and
• upgrading/modernisation measures for the building's electrical system and telecommunications connection.

 
The funding is subject to the following conditions:

• The charging station, which is not accessible to the public, is used for charging commercially or municipally used e-cars.
• If the charging station is erected in public space, ensure that the charging station is only and exclusively available to a certain group of people.
• The charging station is used in Germany for at least 6 years.
• You purchase electricity that comes 100% from renewable energies.

 
If you invest as a company, your total costs must be at least 1,285.71 EUR. A maximum of 45,000 EUR per location will be funded.

If you invest as a municipality, your total costs must be at least 12,857.14 EUR and the amount of the grant must be at least 9,000 EUR.

Who is this program suitable for? For applicants who want to set up non-public charging stations, for example to create a charging offer for their employees.

What are the arguments against this funding? The application procedure can take time. In particular, only charging stations that are not publicly accessible can be funded.

 

2. "Publicly accessible charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in Germany"

If, on the other hand, you want to set up the charging station for the general public, the program "Publicly accessible charging infrastructure for electric vehicles in Germany" is a better fit for you. You can obtain the detailed funding profile here.

Key points:

• The funding body is the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV).
• Companies, municipalities, private individuals, associations and organisations as well as public institutions are eligible to apply.
• The funding is granted in the form of a grant. The amount depends on the specific charging station and can be up to 20,000 EUR per charging point.

Funding is available for

• Publicly accessible normal charging infrastructures up to and including 22 kilowatts and
• Publicly accessible fast charging infrastructure larger than 22 kilowatts.

 
You will receive funding for:

• the procurement and construction of publicly accessible charging infrastructure at new locations,
• the upgrading or replacement of charging infrastructure and the upgrading of the grid connection at existing locations, if additional added value can be demonstrated,
• the grid connection for new charging infrastructure to be built as well as the combination of grid connection and a buffer storage.

For whom is this program suitable? For applicants who want to set up public charging stations. The good thing is that DC fast charging points and the grid connection as such can also be subsidised.

What are the arguments against this funding? The application process can take time.
 

 

State level

There are many funding programs at the state level. It would therefore go beyond the scope of this article to describe each program individually. However, there are often overlaps between the programs. It is therefore essential that you also take a look at the funding programs of your federal state.
 

3. "Charging facilities on and in residential and commercial properties"

We would therefore like to present the Hamburg funding program "Charging facilities on and in residential and commercial properties" as an example. Details can be found here.

The most important key data:

• The funding body is the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg.
• Companies, associations, public institutions, research institutions and universities are eligible for funding.
• The funding is granted in the form of a grant. It amounts to 25 % of the eligible expenditure. SMEs are given preferential funding with a supplement of up to 45%.

 
Funding is available for

• Hardware procurement of the charging equipment through purchase or leasing
• Preparatory technical and structural measures for laying the power connection
• Installation, initial commissioning and signage
• Operation of the charging station

 
Funding is conditional on working with a charging infrastructure operator (CPO) involved in the "Electrify Buildings for Evs (ELBE)" project or with a third party provider who provides charging facilities that meet the project-related technical requirements.

Residential and non-residential buildings as well as commercial spaces are eligible.

Who is this program suitable for? For applicants who want to set up charging stations in Hamburg. Particularly attractive for SMEs, which can look forward to preferential funding.

What speaks against this funding? The application process can take time. It is mandatory to work with specific charging infrastructure operators.


 

Outlook

Only a few programs could be presented here. There are many different funding programs for the construction of charging stations, especially at the state level. Please feel free to contact us, Dennis Hillemann and Tanja Ehls will be happy to support you in identifying suitable programs and in the application process.