The decision by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia to allocate 15 million euros for the funding of electric trucks is not merely an isolated measure but a direct response to shortcomings in German federal policy.
With the removal of significant national incentives, many companies in the transport sector found themselves facing the dilemma of continuing to use diesel vehicles or bearing the costs associated with electrifying their fleets.
From the Press Office of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Industry, Climate Protection and Energy of North Rhine-Westphalia, it is confirmed that the main aim of this new call is to accelerate the acquisition of eTrucks.
“With this initiative, we are bridging the funding gap left by the federal government and aiming to support the transition to electric mobility,” they stated to Mobility Portal Europe.
In recent months, the German administration has eliminated several funding programmes aimed at promoting electromobility, including the grant programme for zero-emission trucks, known as KsNi.
According to industry sources, the implementation of this plan was plagued with issues, ranging from the limited number of calls for applications to the confusing communication regarding deadlines.
Without federal support, the additional cost of electric vehicles, which can be up to three times higher than that of a diesel truck, becomes an insurmountable barrier for many companies, especially medium-sized ones.
This financial void left by the government threatens to slow down the transition to more sustainable logistics, particularly in a sector responsible for a significant portion of greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our objective is to support the transport industry in North Rhine-Westphalia in its transformation towards climate neutrality,” the press office notes.
They also assure that they have received numerous positive responses from companies and associations following the announcement of this funding.
How to access the eTruck grant?
The call for applications is open to all private and municipal companies based in North Rhine-Westphalia.
The support focuses on trucks with a total permitted mass between 12 and 18 tonnes, as well as those over 18 tonnes.
Each company can receive up to 500,000 euros, with a maximum of 300,000 euros per vehicle.
The funding covers up to 60% of the additional investment costs, including both the purchase and leasing of vehicles.
The application process is designed to be competitive.
Applications will be evaluated based on the lowest financing expenditure per zero-emission vehicle.
In the event of a tie, preference will be given to applications for vehicles with the lowest energy consumption per 100 kilometres and the highest projected annual mileage.
“There is no limit to the number of proposals, but approval involves a competitive bidding process,” explains the spokesperson.
The total funding volume is limited to 15 million euros.
Applications can be submitted from 18 September 2024 at 12:00 until 16 October 2024 at 23:59, subject to the availability of budgetary resources.
The form will be available on the government’s website.
It is worth noting that the call is part of a comprehensive package of measures by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia to support zero-emission vehicles in the transport sector.
In addition to this, they also offer a wide range of information and support, such as a practical guide that accompanies webinars, under the brand of their energy and climate agency “NRW.Energy4Climate.”
What about the charging infrastructure to supply these vehicles?
This is another pillar in which the state has decided to invest.
The regional government has already funded the installation of charging points for commercial vehicles, and this effort will continue with a particular focus on the creation of public “refuelling” hubs for trucks.
This also covers grid connections.
The Minister of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, Mona Neubaur, emphasises the importance of these measures, stating that “saving emissions in the transport sector means making real savings.”
Neubaur also acknowledges that without funding, the economic viability of zero-emission trucks is still a distant prospect, making this support crucial for many companies.
With this initiative, North Rhine-Westphalia not only closes the gap left by the federal government but also positions itself as a leader in the transition towards cleaner and more efficient logistics in Germany.
