ENIN – Support program for the conversion of commercial vehicle fleets to zero-emission drive systems

The funding program aims to reduce environmentally harmful emissions by converting fossil-fueled commercial vehicles to zero-emission drives and using only renewable energy sources. The program also aims to significantly increase the proportion of zero-emission commercial vehicles. Over the next few years, commercial vehicles in the N1, N2 and N3 classes are to be converted to zero-emission models on a large scale and the necessary infrastructure installed.

The funding program supports the conversion to zero-emission commercial vehicles and the necessary infrastructure. Funding is available for:

• Battery-electric commercial vehicles
• Commercial vehicles with overhead line systems
• Commercial vehicles with hydrogen fuel cell drive systems
• Directly associated charging, overhead line and hydrogen refueling infrastructure.

Funding consists of non-repayable investment cost grants of:

• 80% of additional costs for commercial vehicles
• 40% for infrastructure investment costs (expected).

A total of €365 million is available, including €35 million from the European Union’s Recovery and Resilience Facility (RRF) and €330 million from national funds.

The share of zero-emission vehicles in the Austrian transport sector is still low. Electric passenger cars already account for 6.4% of new registrations, but only just under 1% of the total stock. The share of electric commercial vehicles is even lower, accounting for 1.8% of new registrations and only 0.65% of the stock. Conversion to zero-emission commercial vehicles is difficult due to higher costs, and so far only a few fleets have been converted.

To achieve Austria’s climate neutrality by 2040 and the EU’s by 2050, freight transport must be converted. The program aims to increase the share of zero-emission commercial vehicles and build the infrastructure. This will also have a positive impact on employment. The program is intended to help achieve the climate targets in the transport sector and implement the Clean Vehicle Directive (CVD).

The current call is open until May 10, 2023. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The 1st call for proposals provides €35 million in funding for class N1 vehicles. The 2nd call for proposals provides €50 million in funding for zero-emission commercial vehicles of classes N2 and N3. Funding is available for projects that involve either the purchase of zero-emission commercial vehicles or a combination of commercial vehicles and associated infrastructure. The following items are eligible for funding: 80% of the incremental cost of the investment for the acquisition of zero-emission commercial vehicles.

• Battery-electric commercial vehicles,
• Trolley commercial vehicles
• Hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles

40% of the net acquisition cost of charging, overhead line, and hydrogen fueling infrastructure (only directly related to the acquisition of zero-emission commercial vehicles) and associated third-party services.