Bavaria’s Charging Infrastructure Funding Scheme: Up to 250,000 euros for public charging points

Through the new funding programme “Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles in Bavaria”, the Free State of Bavaria is supporting businesses and local authorities in expanding publicly accessible charging infrastructure. Funding is available for the installation of new charging points, with grants of up to 25,000 euros per charging point or a maximum of 250,000 euros per applicant. The first call for applications will open as early as July 2026 – but the application window is short. Anyone wishing to benefit should start planning well in advance.

Key points at a glance

What charging infrastructure is eligible for funding?

In this first call for funding applications, the Free State is funding only the installation of new, publicly accessible charging points. Existing charging points may not be replaced or expanded.

The following requirements apply per location:

• At least one fast-charging point or four standard charging points
• A maximum of two fast-charging points or 20 standard charging points

• Public access 24 hours a day, seven days a week

Charging points for which there is already a contractual obligation to install them, charging infrastructure required by law, or projects that are prohibited under Section 7c of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG) are, amongst other things, not eligible for funding.

How much is the grant for charging infrastructure in Bavaria?

The amount of the grant depends on the charging capacity and accessibility.

The grant covers eligible expenditure on procurement, installation, grid connection and commissioning. Planning and consultancy services, work carried out by the applicant, operating costs and the construction of new parking spaces are, however, not eligible. This grant cannot be combined with other government funding schemes.

Why is accessible design worthwhile?

Accessibility is not only socially beneficial, but also financially rewarding. Significantly higher subsidy rates apply to accessible charging points.
The requirements include, for example:

• Wheelchair-accessible entry with a solid surface
• Controls at a height of between 0.85 and 1.05 metres
• Sufficiently sized parking spaces in accordance with the guidelines for funding

Who is eligible to apply for the grant?

Only legal entities, including companies, local authorities and administrative associations, are eligible to apply.
The following, amongst others, are not eligible to apply:

• Federal and state authorities
• Civil-law partnerships (GbR)
• Companies in financial difficulties
• Applicants who do not own the charging infrastructure for which the grant is being sought

What obligations apply once funding has been granted?

Anyone receiving funding undertakes to comply with a number of conditions, which must be met throughout the entire minimum operating period of five years:

• Signage: A visible notice indicating the funding must be displayed at the charging point; the relevant sticker will be sent with the grant notification.
• Road marking: The parking space must, as a general rule, be marked across its entire surface with the electric car symbol in accordance with Section 39(10) of the German Road Traffic Regulations (StVO).
• Findability: The subsidised charging points must be listed in at least one electronic charging point finder (e.g. Ladeatlas Bayern), including real-time status data.
• Green electricity: It must be demonstrated that the charging electricity comes from renewable energy sources – either via a supply contract with a guarantee of origin or through self-generation, such as via a PV system, whereby the supply must be guaranteed regardless of weather conditions.
• Annual reporting obligation: During the minimum operational period, reports on charging operations, charging duration and electricity consumption must be submitted digitally by 1 February each year.

Why you should prepare your grant application well in advance

Funding is allocated through a limited call for applications. Following the regional assessment, in the event of a tie, the date of application will be the deciding factor.
Preparing well in advance therefore offers several advantages:

• Plan the location and grid connection in good time
• Take accessibility requirements into account from the outset 
• Calculate eligible costs accurately 
• Have all the necessary documentation ready as soon as the funding round opens 

Conclusion
With the ‘Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles in Bavaria’ funding programme, the Free State of Bavaria is creating attractive incentives for the expansion of public charging infrastructure. Businesses and local authorities can receive grants of up to 250,000 euros, thereby making an important contribution to electric mobility.

Text: Kathrin Willaczek