The Netherlands subsidise EV charging stations for commercial vehicles

Companies in the Netherlands can now apply for funding to set up charging stations for battery-electric commercial vehicles. Two funding programmes make 57 million euros available.

A budget of 42 million euros is available as part of the ‘Subsidy Scheme Private Charging Infrastructure at Companies (SPRILA).’ The programme provides funding for private charging points at companies, primarily in industrial areas and distribution centres. Small and medium-sized companies can receive up to 40 per cent of the total costs for charging infrastructure (purchase and installation). The maximum funding rate for large companies is 20 per cent.

‘SPRILA’ grants can also be used to subsidise the construction of stationary energy storage systems in conjunction with the charging infrastructure. These batteries can relieve the load on the grid connection and ensure better utilisation of renewable energies. Advice on setting up the charging infrastructure is also subsidised.

From 1 October, applications will also be accepted for a second funding programme called ‘Subsidy Scheme for Public Charging Infrastructure for Heavy Transport (SPULA).’ It has a budget of 15 million euros, earmarked for public charging infrastructure for heavy goods vehicles.

The ‘SPULA’ programme is reserved for charge point operators to establish a nationwide network of charging stations for heavy electric vehicles. If there is room for heavy-duty commercial vehicles to plug in, new locations and the expansion of existing sites can be subsidised. The aim is to help meet the charging infrastructure needs of the freight and logistics sector.

Charging stations with an output of 200 to 250 kW will be subsidised with up to 19,000 euros via ‘SPULA.’ Charging points with more than 350 kW will receive up to 43,000 euros. If a stationary storage system is added, up to 80 euros per kilowatt hour of storage capacity will be subsidised.

Applications for both programmes are possible until 31 December 2024. Details of the subsidy and sample calculations can be found on the Dutch Enterprise Agency (RVO) website.

autorai.nl, rvo.nl (press release), rvo.nl (details; all three in Dutch)