Promotion of pure battery electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles – Vehicles of class M1

The funding program of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia specifically supports the purchase, leasing, and long-term rental of new or demonstration vehicles with pure battery or fuel cell drive in vehicle class M1 (minis and small cars). Eligible applicants include, in addition to municipal authorities, social service providers for elderly, sick, or disabled persons, natural persons as freelancers, sole proprietorships and partnerships, legal entities under public and private law, as well as providers of station-based car-sharing services. The prerequisite is the location or place of business in North Rhine-Westphalia, registration as a new or demonstration vehicle according to KBA segment, and compliance with the de minimis thresholds. Only vehicles without standing or wear damage are eligible for funding; for new vehicles with a maximum mileage of 1,000 km, for demonstration vehicles up to 5,000 km and a maximum of 12 months registration. The maximum funding amount is €5,000 per vehicle; applications can be submitted until December 31, 2026.

The grant is awarded as a fixed amount and can be applied for up to ten vehicles per eligible applicant. For the application, among other documents, a detailed offer or cost estimate, the KBA registration certificate, a de minimis declaration, and the registration certificate must be submitted. Combining this grant with other state or NRW.BANK grants is excluded, unless it concerns low-interest loans. Applications are submitted electronically via the funding portal of the Arnsberg District Government. After a positive review, a funding notice is issued, after which the measure may be commissioned. Upon implementation and submission of the proof of use, the funding amount will be transferred. The funding aims to accelerate the market ramp-up of electromobility in NRW and actively advance climate protection goals in the transport sector.