Funding: “Local charging infrastructure” – What companies should consider
The BMVI (Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure) wants to promote the expansion of a nationwide and user-friendly charging network, especially in attractive everyday destinations such as parking lots of supermarkets, restaurants, hotels or leisure facilities. To this end, it launched the “Local charging infrastructure” funding program. An additional 50,000 public charging points are to be set up by the end of 2021. The BMVI is investing 300 million euros in the funding program, which is specially tailored to small and medium-sized companies, i.e. SMEs. Also the use of electricity from renewable energies should be pushed further.
What is funded?
Expenditure for the initial procurement and installation of publicly accessible charging stations (including the required grid connection) in Germany is eligible. At least one permanently installed charging point is mandatory. In addition, it must be an intelligent charging station – with integrated software.
Maximum funding amounts per charging point:
- Normal charging points (AC and DC) (3.7 kW to 22 kW): up to 80% of the total costs, maximum €4,000 per charging point
- Fast charging points (DC only) (22 kW to max. 50 kW): up to 80% of the total costs, maximum €16,000 per charging point
Maximum funding amounts for grid connections per location
- Connection to the low-voltage network including installation and construction costs: 80% of the total costs, maximum subsidy of €10,000 per location
- Connection to the medium-voltage grid: 80% of the total costs, max. subsidy of €100,000 per location
- Combination of buffer storage with mains connection: Subsidy amount analogous to the associated mains connection
Who can benefit from the funding program?
According to the BMVI, the following are entitled to apply:
- natural persons;
- enterprises if they fall under the SME definition of the Commission recommendation of 6 May 2003 on the definition of micro enterprises and SMEs (OJ EC L 124/36). Excluded are civil law companies;
- local authorities.
It is important that the support program is a de minimis aid. This means that the approved funding must not exceed EUR 200,000 within three tax years.
How can the subsidy be applied for?
Application in just a few steps: Funding is provided online via the Federal Agency for Administrative (BAV). Companies must also submit the documents in writing with a legally binding signature no later than two weeks after submitting the application. The allocation is based on the so-called “first come, first served” procedure. In other words, the funding is allocated according to the chronological order in which the applications were submitted.
What are the time frame conditions for the funding?
Funding applications can be submitted from April 12, 2021. Applications can be submitted until December 31, 2021, provided that the funding has not yet been exhausted. The following also applies: The implementation of the charging infrastructure must be completed by December 31, 2022.
What else needs to be considered?
- The planned charging points must be LSV-compliant and enable contract-based charging, roaming and ad-hoc charging. This requires intelligent software such as the bundle. This is the only way for the charging infrastructure to be eligible for funding.
- The public charging infrastructure must be accessible around the clock, on weekdays for at least 12 hours. If the charging point is only accessible to a limited extent, e.g. only during certain opening hours, only up to 50% of the funding amount will be covered.
- With the funding, companies commit to purchasing electricity from renewable energies.
- The electric parking spaces should be marked on the ground.
- The charging station should be in operation for at least six years. The owner must submit a report to NOW GmbH every six months.
The new funding program is certainly another important step in the large-scale expansion of the charging network in Germany, especially since the focus is on everyday charging situations. Choosing the right, intelligent charging station is essential for SMEs in order to benefit from the funding. The bundle is supported by the subsidy – as a combination of reev software and ABL hardware (eMH3 or EMC3). The pre-configured software makes it particularly easy to install and commission the bundle.
