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Release Date: 23.03.2026

2026 Funding for E-Truck Depot Charging Infrastructure: How to Secure the Funding

The transformation of the logistics industry is no longer a distant prospect. The question is no longer whether it will happen, but how—and, above all, the budget. While public fast-charging stations along transport routes and corridors are being expanded at an increasing rate, another area is now coming into focus: depot charging.

With the anticipated funding for non-public charging infrastructure, the German Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) is addressing this very issue. This presents a crucial opportunity for companies — but also a strategic need for action.

New Funding Starting in 2026: Focus on Depot Infrastructure

The planned funding programme, which is expected to launch in spring 2026, focuses exclusively on charging infrastructure at depots and logistic bases.

Unlike previous programs, the new program requires:

  • No funding for vehicles
  • Clear focus on infrastructure
  • Multi-year funding structure with multiple calls for proposals

This clearly shows: The government is shifting its focus from individual measures to scalable infrastructure investments.

What is Being Funded?

As things stand today, companies can apply for grants for the following components:

Grid connection capacity and smart load management are particularly critical factors in this context.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

The grant is specifically aimed at companies that use electric trucks in their operations:

  • Logistics and transportation companies
  • Freight carriers
  • Retail companies with their own or third-party delivery fleets

The program is thus specifically designed for companies where electrification will have an immediate impact.

Depot Charging

Within the strategic context of the “2030 Charging Infrastructure Master Plan,” the planned subsidy program should be viewed as part of a comprehensive infrastructure expansion. While the sector of publicly accessible charging infrastructure for passenger cars is already well developed, the market roll-out for electric trucks is still in its early stages by comparison. Here, companies are confronted with high investment costs, complex grid connection requirements, and a market that is still generally not very mature. Against this backdrop, depot charging plays a central role: it is emerging as a crucial lever for driving the electrification of heavy-duty transport in an efficient and scalable manner.

Shared Use: An Underestimated Lever

A particularly important aspect is the potential for shared use of subsidized charging infrastructure in the future. This development opens up new opportunities:

  • Collaboration between companies is facilitated
  • The utilization of existing infrastructure is significantly improved
  • New, additional business models emerge

For operators, this represents a shift in perspective: charging infrastructure is evolving from a mere cost factor into a potential value driver.

The SMATRICS Depot Club is designed to specifically target transportation companies and create an exclusive charging network of depot owners and partner companies. Depot owners join the club through the Depot Charging product, while partner companies gain access after being approved by a depot owner. Depot owners retain full control: they can accept or reject requests from partner companies and also set individual pricing structures for each location.

What Companies Should Do Now

The critical phase begins before funding is awarded. It is expected that this funding will also be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Companies should therefore have the necessary plans in place right now.

Key success factors include:

  • Early location and network planning
  • Integration of funding criteria into project development
  • Optimization of efficiency metrics (e.g., kW per €)
  • Exploring opportunities to combine with regional funding programs

Those who are prepared in this regard gain a clear advantage in the application process and can secure funding more quickly.

How can we help you with this?

Conclusion

The announced funding is more than just a financial incentive—it sends a clear signal: depot charging is becoming a key technology for the electrification of heavy-duty transport. Companies that plan strategically now can:

  • Reduce investment costs
  • Implement projects more quickly
  • Secure long-term competitive advantages

 

Your Experts on E-Logistics in Germany

Patrick Dimter
patrick.dimter@smatrics.com 
LinkedIn

Philipp Lenski
philipp.lenski@smatrics.com 
LinkedIn