Germany is rapidly electrifying its transportation sector to combat climate change and promote sustainable mobility. To support this green transition, numerous funding opportunities and incentives are available for individuals, businesses, and communities looking to install electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore these funding options, focusing on nationwide initiatives and regional programs across Germany.
Nationwide Initiatives
Greenhouse Gas Quota Trading (THG Quote System/ Treibhausgasminderungsquote)
Germany is at the forefront of promoting electric vehicles (e-vehicles) and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. One innovative initiative driving this change is the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Quota, commonly known as GHG Quota. This program is designed to encourage the adoption of fully electric vehicles and incentivize individuals and businesses to contribute to a greener future. Here, we’ll explore how the GHG Quota works and who is eligible to benefit from it.
Reducing Emissions, Generating Revenue
The primary goal of the GHG Quota is to reduce CO₂ emissions stemming from the use of fossil fuels in transportation. Since 2022, owners of fully electric vehicles capable of speeds over 45 km/h have the opportunity to participate in the GHG Quota program. Here’s how it works: these e-vehicle owners can earn money by selling the CO₂ emissions they’ve saved by driving an electric vehicle to petroleum companies. For petroleum companies, participating in GHG Quota trading is a means of improving their environmental impact. By purchasing these emissions savings, they contribute to reducing their overall carbon footprint, aligning with Germany’s broader sustainability goals.
Eligibility Criteria
The GHG Quota program has specific eligibility criteria for different categories of participants:
- Private Individuals: To qualify, you must be the owner of a fully electric vehicle that can reach speeds exceeding 45 km/h. Plug-in hybrids, combustion engine vehicles, hydrogen-powered, and natural gas vehicles are not eligible. When applying, the electric vehicle’s owner should match the applicant, and a valid vehicle registration document is required. The vehicle’s registration must have been valid for at least one day in the current year, and the vehicle identification number (VIN) can only be submitted once. Participants receive a flat-rate value for their savings, with premiums ranging between 250 and 300 euros.
- Companies with E-Vehicle Fleets (Buses and Trucks): Companies with fleets of e-vehicles, including buses and trucks, are eligible for the GHG Quota program. The premium is calculated based on the number of registered vehicles, with premiums ranging from 8,000 to 10,500 euros per vehicle.
- (Semi-)Public Charging Point Providers: Providers of charging points in (semi-)public spaces are eligible based on the kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity consumed. Premiums range from 10 to 20 cents per kWh. If local electricity from renewable sources is used, premiums increase to between 20 and 40 cents per kWh.
- Charging point operators (CPOs) should be registered with the Federal Environment Agency to participate.
- Non-Public Charging Point Providers: Companies that operate charging points for their own vehicle fleets can also participate in the GHG Quota program. Billing is based on the number of registered vehicles, with premiums aligning with those for private vehicles, ranging between 250 and 300 euros per vehicle annually.
The GHG Quota program is a forward-thinking initiative in Germany that encourages the adoption of fully electric vehicles and rewards participants for reducing CO₂ emissions. Applications are open throughout 2025. Whether you’re an individual EV owner, a company with an e-vehicle fleet, or a charging point provider, this program allows you to contribute to environmental sustainability while benefiting financially. It’s a win-win for participants and the planet alike, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.
BMDV’s Funding Program for Commercial Fast Charging Infrastructure
The Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport (BMDV) is leading the charge, aiming to boost the deployment of fast charging points for both cars and trucks with a funding program of up to €400 million.
Who Benefits from the Program?
The BMDV funding program primarily targets craft and commercial enterprises, as well as fleet users, which includes transport and logistics companies, parcel services, car rental and car sharing providers, and care services. This initiative marks the first time that charging points specifically for trucks are included in a substantial way. Commercially used vehicles often cover significantly higher mileage compared to private ones, making them a critical player in the transition to electric mobility and the achievement of climate protection goals. However, businesses face substantial investments in building their fast charging infrastructure, which can be a barrier to EV adoption.
Program Management and Support
The National Control Center for Charging Infrastructure, working under the umbrella of the federally owned NOW GmbH since 2020, will oversee the implementation of the new funding program. The application and processing will be managed by the project management agency Jülich (PtJ).
Eligibility and Funding Details
The program is open to companies in the commercial sector, including those with public participation. Eligible expenses include capital expenditure on fast charging infrastructure, technical equipment (such as electric power storage), grid connection, installation of electrical lines and connections, and civil engineering. Each applicant company can submit one application, with affiliated companies having a total funding cap of €30 million. The maximum grant per application is €5 million, regardless of the number of fast charging points requested. Funding is provided as share financing, with rates of up to 40% for small and medium-sized enterprises and up to 20% for large companies. Maximum funding amounts per charging point vary based on the DC charging power, with smaller companies eligible for up to €30,000 and large companies up to €15,000. Several conditions apply, including the use of renewable energy for charging and a requirement that the charging points remain the property of the applicant company for at least two years.
Applications opened on September 18, 2023, and can be submitted through the project management agency Jülich’s website.
Subsidies for Public Charging Stations
To accelerate the growth of public charging infrastructure, Germany offers substantial subsidies. Charging stations with various power capacities are eligible for funding, along with grid connections, making it an attractive proposition for expanding the nation’s EV charging network.
- Funding: Up to €3,000 for charging stations (≤22 kW); Up to €12,000 for DC chargers (≤100 kW); Up to €30,000 for DC chargers (>100 kW)
- Deadline: End of 2023
KfW-Bank Incentive
The state-owned KfW-Bank provides incentives for home EV charging. This program encourages homeowners to install wallbox chargers by offering a financial incentive, promoting EV adoption at the residential level. The incentive is 10-30% for wallbox charger purchase and installation.
Hesse
Hesse supports electric mobility in public transportation through its « Environmentally Friendly Local Public Transport (ÖPNV) » project. It provides subsidies of up to 40% of the costs for electric buses and associated charging infrastructure. This program aims to electrify public bus fleets and reduce emissions in the state. The program provides max. 400 euros per charging point per kilowatt of installed charging capacity. The grid connection can be subsidized with up to 100,000 euros. The incentive program goes through 2025.
Limburg
In Limburg, incentives are available for charging infrastructure on private property that is not accessible to the public. Property owners can receive up to €500 per charging point, promoting EV adoption at home, in commercial settings, and for fleet use.
Munich
Munich offers diverse funding opportunities, including support for EV charging infrastructure development. This encompasses electrical preparations, normal charging stations, fast charging stations, and even consulting services. Additionally, there are incentives for car sharing and non-public charging infrastructure for commercial fleets.
Nordrhein-Westfalen
Nordrhein-Westfalen supports the electrification of ground power units for aircraft and related charging infrastructure. This initiative provides substantial funding for ground power units and high-power charging points, encouraging the use of electric ground support equipment at airports.
Thuringia
Thuringia’s « Klima Invest » funding program assists municipalities, districts, and special-purpose associations in electrifying their vehicle fleets. It covers up to 40% of the costs for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure. Additionally, Thuringia promotes low-CO2 mobility in public transport through funding for electric buses and related infrastructure.
NRW.BANK.Elektromobilität Loan
Germany’s NRW.BANK offers a low-interest promotional loan for financing projects, including charging infrastructure. This loan can be combined with other state and federal funding programs, making it an attractive option for various businesses, professionals, and non-profit entities.
Germany’s commitment to electric mobility is reflected in its extensive funding opportunities and incentives for EV charging infrastructure. Whether you’re an individual, a business, or a municipality, these programs can help you contribute to a more sustainable future while enjoying financial benefits. Embrace the EV revolution, reduce emissions, and be a part of Germany’s green mobility transition.
