ICT for Electromobility: Economic E-Commercial Vehicle Applications and Infrastructures

This nationwide funding program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action is aligned with the thematic areas of digitalization as well as research & innovation and supports research and development projects aimed at ICT-based system approaches and applications in the field of commercial electromobility. Eligible to apply are companies (especially SMEs), educational institutions, research institutions, public bodies, as well as associations and clubs with headquarters or operations in Germany. With grants ranging from 50% to 100% of eligible costs, market-effective innovations with great potential for Germany and Europe are to be implemented. The focus is on economic e-commercial vehicle applications, such as the coupling of vehicle fleets with energy management systems, grid-compatible charging infrastructures, highly automated passenger and cargo concepts, as well as ICT-based hydrogen and fuel cell solutions. Administrative processing is carried out by the DLR Project Management Agency at the German Aerospace Center.

The funding guideline has been in effect since January 1, 2022 and provides for a maximum duration of 36 months as well as a funding amount of up to €35 million per project. The rate varies between 50% for commercial enterprises and up to 100% for universities and non-university research institutions. Decisive for approval are the degree of innovation, market and economic potential, as well as the contribution to grid integration and comprehensive system solutions. Funding requirements include implementation in Germany and the primary use of results in Germany, the EEA, or Switzerland. A project outline must be submitted by September 15 each year; due to current budget freezes, new project calls are suspended until further notice.