Wallbox subsidy: These rules apply in 2024
The sun is shining, the fridge is buzzing and the e-car is refuelling with free solar power via the in-house photovoltaic system. To make this scenario come true for as many homeowners as possible in Germany, the German government launched the 442 "Solar Power for Electric Cars" funding program. For example, the purchase of a solar system in combination with storage and wallbox was generously subsidized. The program was so popular in 2023 that the funding (a total of 300 million euros) was exhausted after just 24 hours. Around 33,000 applications were approved – after that it was over.
Wallbox funding 2024: The most important facts in brief
Now it has been decided: The wallbox subsidy program will no longer be launched. In response to an inquiry, a spokeswoman for the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport said: "Due to the necessary budget consolidation and the focus on priority investments (...) not all BMDV funding programmes can be continued to the planned extent. This also applies to the 'Solar Power for Electric Cars' funding programme. No further funding will be available for the program in the future. However, it is still ensured that funding commitments that have already been made can be fully financed."
Funding for private wallboxes
The good news is that there are regional wallbox subsidy programs in some cities and municipalities. In addition, some electricity providers subsidize the purchase of a wallbox. These are usually discount offers that serve to increase customer loyalty. The offers are usually limited in time and the conditions can change at any time. If you are interested, it is best to ask your local electricity provider directly.
Regional wallbox funding in federal states and municipalities
Some federal states and municipalities have set up their own funding programmes to subsidise the installation of a wallbox. For example, private individuals in North Rhine-Westphalia are supported with up to 1,500 euros when buying a wallbox. However, the maximum amount is only available if a photovoltaic system is installed at the same time. Eligible to apply for the funding program are tenants and landlords, people with property in garage and parking complex complexes, and members of condominium owners' associations.
In Baden-Württemberg, private individuals were financially supported until the end of 2023 when buying an electric car and installing a wallbox. However, the funding program was discontinued at the end of the year. Currently, only publicly accessible charging infrastructure is funded. For example, sole proprietorships, freelancers, associations or homeowners' associations are eligible to apply.
In addition, there are individual cities and municipal energy suppliers that provide financial support for the installation of a wallbox. Attention: The funding amounts and conditions can change at any time, all information is therefore without guarantee.
| City | Provider | Amount of funding | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dachau | Stadtwerke Dachau | 125 € | Only if the wallbox is purchased through Stadtwerke Dachau, credit of €25 over five years on electricity bill |
| Dusseldorf | Environmental Agency Düsseldorf | 50 % subsidy, max. 2,000 € | E-car and photovoltaic system or green electricity |
| Frankfurt/Oder | Stadtwerke Frankfurt/Oder | Max. 500 € | When buying an electric car and purchasing electricity from the municipal utilities |
| Grünwald | Municipality of Grünwald | 50% subsidy for the installation of private charging stations in the municipal area, max. €1,500 | Charging power up to a maximum of 11 kW per house connection, operation with 100% green electricity or photovoltaic system with min. 4.0 kWp on the same house connection |
| Mainz | Mainzer Stadtwerke | €400 for a wallbox, €600 for an e-charging station, €1,500 for the creation of a charging infrastructure concept, up to €10,000 for grid connection, power distribution systems and charging energy management (max. 40% of the total costs) | Only for electricity customers of Mainzer Stadtwerke |
| Munich | City of Munich | 40%, for normal charging stations up to max. €500, for fast charging stations up to max. €10,000 per charging point | For planning, assembly and installation |
FAQ: This applies to wallbox funding in 2024
Which electricity provider subsidizes the installation of a wallbox?
Some municipal electricity providers promote the installation of a wallbox – usually in the form of a credit note or a discount. These include, for example, the Mainzer Stadtwerke, the Stadtwerke Frankfurt (Oder) and the Stadtwerke Dachau. The provider Enercity recently granted a 500 euro "Christmas discount" on selected wallboxes. Süwag also recently lured customers with a 50 percent discount on the purchase price of certain wallboxes. The conditions and funding levels are constantly changing. Therefore, it is worthwhile to ask the local energy supplier directly.
Why do you need a wallbox?
Charging an electric car via a wallbox is faster, safer and more convenient than using a household socket. In addition, it is also more cost-effective in the long run. Charging via the household socket is an emergency solution and not recommended in the long run, because the high power consumption of an electric vehicle overloads the electrical circuit of the house. Normally, the fuse then flies out. In the worst case, however, a fire can also occur.
What is needed for a wallbox?
Before installing a wallbox, the following requirements must be met:
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Weather-protected space for the wallbox
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Residual current circuit breakers ("RCD")
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Enough space in the power distribution box
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Approval from the landlord or the owners' meeting
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Registration with the network operator
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Wi-Fi access (only for smart wallboxes)