NETHERLANDS. Subsidy desk for charging points for entrepreneurs opened – Everything you need to know about SPRILA and SPULA
While one subsidy desk (SEPP) is closing, a new one is opening: as of today, entrepreneurs can make use of the SPRILA subsidy. But what exactly does that mean?
Electric delivery vans
From 24 September, entrepreneurs in the Netherlands can apply for a subsidy for the construction of charging points for electric vans and trucks. With the introduction of two subsidy schemes, the government wants to make the switch to electric commercial vehicles more attractive. Both small and medium-sized businesses can now benefit from this.
Subsidy for companies: SPRILA and SPULA
The first counter that has been opened is called SPRILA, which stands for the 'Subsidy Scheme for Private Charging Infrastructure at Companies'. This allows small and medium-sized businesses to recover up to 40 percent of their costs for charging points. For larger companies, a different scheme will come into force from 1 October: the SPULA, or the 'Subsidy Scheme for Public Charging Infrastructure for Heavy Transport', in which companies will be reimbursed 20 percent of the costs. If there are problems with grid capacity, entrepreneurs can also apply for a subsidy for a stationary battery.
How much money is available?
The government has made a considerable amount available for both subsidy schemes: a total of around 57 million euros. This money can be used for the purchase of charging points as well as for advice on their installation. The financial boost is aimed at entrepreneurs who are in doubt about switching to electric driving.
Electric heavy-duty transport
For entrepreneurs who want to invest in charging points for heavy electric transport, such as trucks, the SULA scheme (available from 1 October) offers a solution. This scheme focuses specifically on charging infrastructure that is publicly accessible. This means that you can install charging points that other companies can also use. This can be done, for example, in business parks or parking lots along the road.
What are the conditions?
The charging points have to meet a few strict requirements. For example, the charging infrastructure must have at least 1,400 kW of power and there must be charging stations with a capacity of at least 350 kW. In addition, a stationary battery is an option when there is insufficient capacity on the electricity grid.
How do you apply for a subsidy?
Applying for the grant is fairly easy, as long as you have the right documents at hand. Companies that want to apply for the SPRILA scheme can now do so via the online portal of the RVO. For the SULA scheme, entrepreneurs will have to wait until 1 October. Make sure you have prepared everything in time, because the grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
What amounts can you expect?
For charging stations with a capacity between 200 kW and 350 kW, you can receive a subsidy of 19,000 euros as an entrepreneur. If you install charging stations with a capacity of more than 350 kW, this can go up to 43,000 euros per charging station. When you choose a stationary battery, you get 80 euros per kWh of storage capacity.
Why is this scheme important?
The transport sector is facing a huge challenge when it comes to sustainability. Electric transportation can drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but the infrastructure to make it happen often lags behind. With the SPRILA and SPULA schemes, the government hopes to take a big step forward. In addition, the scheme offers companies the opportunity to make their own contribution to a sustainable future, while also benefiting from lower operational costs and tax benefits in the long term.