Subsidy Programm KsNI (only available in Germany)

The subsidy program Climate Friendly Commercial Vehicles and Infrastructure program (KsNI) in Germany aims to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles on the road. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions through the use of alternative propulsion systems.

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Vehicles

In general, only a new or demonstration vehicle is eligible for funding. This includes vehicles with a maximum mileage of 10,000 km that have a single initial registration with the dealer or manufacturer.

An exception to this is in the case of vehicle conversions, where existing vehicles or used vehicles that are to be converted or have already been converted are also eligible.

An indicative list of eligible vehicles can be found here. In general, however, any vehicle that meets the criteria can be funded. Even if it is not on this list.

Funding is available for:

Acquisition of pure electric and fuel cell commercial vehicles and, presumably, plug-in hybrids, trolley hybrids and converted vehicles of vehicle classes N1, N2 and N3.

Acquisition of fueling and charging infrastructure that stands in relation to the acquired vehicles

Conducting feasibility studies on possible applications for the commercial vehicles.

Subsidies for e-Vehicles

80 percent of the capital expenditure for both the purchase of the vehicles and the associated fueling and charging infrastructure will be subsidized.

This expenditure is the difference between the procurement cost of a conventional commercial vehicle (Euro 6) and the procurement cost of one of the vehicles listed above. M3E can determine the amount of additional investment costs for these vehicles. The costs used are based on offers from dealers or manufacturers.

Example Calculation of the Subsidy Amount for a BEV-Truck:

Capping Limits

Depending on the vehicle class, weight and engine type, there are different capping limits. These indicate the maximum amount of additional investment expenditure that is eligible per vehicle. The maximum grant amount for vehicles and related charging infrastructure is €25 million per applicant and calendar year.

Capping limits — Maximum Amounts of Additional Investment Expenditure Eligible for Funding (net):

Converted commercial vehicles

In the case of retrofitted vehicles, too, the technology-related additional investments are eligible for 80 percent funding. The conversion costs themselves are not eligible for funding. To determine the amount of funding, the technology-related additional investment costs (purchase and conversion costs) are compared with the acquisition costs of a comparable vehicle with a conventional drive system.

Example Calculation of Subsidies for the Conversion of an Existing Vehicle with a Conventional Drive System:

Subsidies for Charging

It should be noted that funding for fueling and charging infrastructure is only possible if a corresponding vehicle is or has been procured through the funding program (in this or in a previous call for proposals). The infrastructure must be used for the operation of commercial vehicles already procured through the funding program (connexity). In the case of rental and leasing relationships, a connection also exists if the rental/leasing provider procures the commercial vehicles and the rental/leasing recipient procures the infrastructure.

Charging Infrastructure

Funding is provided for charging infrastructure (LIS) for battery-only electric vehicles and externally chargeable hybrid electric vehicles. This includes:

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Investments in mobile and stationary regular and fast charging infrastructure including charging point

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Transformer

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Transfer Station

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Establishing and expanding network connectivity and buffering

Fuel Infrastructure

Funding is provided for fueling infrastructure for hydrogen fuel cell trucks. This includes:

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To protect hydrogen components such as storage tanks and compressors from mechanical damage (e.g. from passing traffic), measures such as bollards and protective walls may also be considered.

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Mobile refuelling stations (on trailers) and stationary hydrogen refuelling stations. Depending on the configuration, these may include storage (pressurized tank or liquid hydrogen storage), compressor, chiller, dispenser and trailer.

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Invenstments in container solutions

Förderung Machbarkeitsstudien

Conducting feasibility studies will also be funded. The costs of the study will be subsidized at 50 percent of the eligible costs. The study is to examine in more detail the possible uses of sustainable commercial vehicles (N1 to N3). In addition, the preparation of studies and analyses on the use of new and existing logistics locations for EVs and the construction or expansion of corresponding infrastructure can be funded.
Grants for feasibility studies will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. So it pays to apply quickly.

Specifics

Earmarking Period

There is an earmarking period. This means that the funded vehicle or infrastructure must be registered in the name of the grant recipient for at least four years without interruption.
Projects for which funding is requested may not have begun prior to approval. Therefore, no binding purchase orders or contracts may be signed prior to approval. An exception is made for the purchase of conventional commercial vehicles to be retrofitted after the grant is awarded.

Leasing and Renting a Vehicle

It is not possible to subsidize leasing or rental costs for either the charging infrastructure or the vehicles. However, leasing or rental companies can apply for a subsidy. If the subsidy is approved, it must be passed on in full to the customer through the lease or rental rate.
During the subsidy period (four years), vehicles may be leased to up to two lessees.