Funding for mobility and logistics

It can be, but it depends heavily on the programme, vehicle type, location and intended use. As a rule, vehicles are not funded across the board, only where they form part of an eligible investment, infrastructure or transformation project, for example low-emission drivetrains, on-site charging or refuelling infrastructure, or specific applications in freight and passenger transport.

Ignite Group assesses such projects case by case and supports suitable funding routes where the purchase fits a sound funding logic. One point matters: under many programmes, the application has to be submitted before vehicles are bindingly ordered or contracts are signed.

For investment and infrastructure programmes, a project generally counts as started as soon as a binding order is placed or a supply or service contract is concluded, not only at delivery, registration, installation or the start of construction. Placing binding orders or commissioning work before the application can forfeit the funding claim.

For innovation and R&D projects, by contrast, what usually matters is whether the eligible development work has already begun. Preparatory steps such as concept sketches, market or feasibility checks, partner search or internal project planning can be harmless. Binding development contracts, paid external R&D services or the start of the actual development work can, however, count as the start of the project.

Where exactly the line sits depends on the specific programme. The applicable rules should therefore be checked before any binding commission or the start of a development project.

Where it involves genuine development work with technical uncertainty, it can qualify. That applies, for example, to new optimisation logic, complex data integration, real-time control or scalable platform approaches. Simply introducing, configuring or using an existing standard solution, by contrast, generally does not qualify.

It can be possible, but usually not through the same instrument and not for the same costs. In practice, the development and infrastructure elements are separated cleanly: R&D work, software development or technical validation can be assessed through innovation programmes, while charging points, equipment, vehicles or site infrastructure tend to fall under investment or infrastructure programmes.

What decides it are the combination rules of the specific programme, state aid limits and a clear cost delimitation. We therefore structure such projects early into development, investment and infrastructure elements, before applications are submitted or contracts are placed.