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EU allocates €422 million for charging and refuelling infrastructure across Europe

The European Union is releasing additional millions of euros to expand charging infrastructure and support alternative fuels. The funds will be allocated to 39 projects, focusing on the development of new charging points for electric vehicles, hydrogen refuelling stations, and the electrification of ports and airports. Some projects in Germany are also receiving support.

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Sabina Koll

Sabina Koll

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17.02.2025

The European Commission is funding 39 projects to develop infrastructure for alternative fuels across the EU. This includes three projects coordinated from Germany by BP Europe and E.ON Drive Infrastructure (EDRI).

The funding is part of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and aims to drive the decarbonisation of the European transport sector. Following the first round of funding, over €422 million has been allocated through the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF).

“These initiatives will accelerate the development of critical charging and refuelling infrastructure, which is urgently needed for our growing zero-emission fleets. Together, they will add nearly 5,000 new charging points, including 626 megawatt chargers, to help citizens choose zero-emission vehicles and contribute to a cleaner environment,” said EU Transport Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas.

Investment in road freight charging and refuelling infrastructure

A key focus of the funding is the construction of approximately 5,000 new charging points for electric vehicles, including 2,500 for light commercial vehicles and 2,400 for heavy-duty vehicles. Additionally, 35 new hydrogen refuelling stations are planned, which will be available for both passenger cars and heavy-duty vehicles, supporting the adoption of hydrogen as an alternative energy source for long-distance transport.

This is a significant step forward, particularly for the logistics and road freight sector, in advancing zero-emission transport solutions.

One of the largest projects funded in the first round is “24-EU-TG-MILES General”, led by Milence (Infrastruktur Holding B.V.), which has received €93.8 million. This initiative focuses on the development of 64 truck charging hubs in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, France, Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden. In total, the project will create 256 MCS (Megawatt Charging System) charging points and 236 CCS (Combined Charging System) charging points.

Additionally, Milence has received €17.7 million for its “24-EU-TC-MILES Cohesion” project. Under this initiative, 28 MCS (1 MW or more) and 28 CCS charging stations for heavy-duty vehicles (eHDV) will be installed at seven locations in Poland.

Electrification of ports and airports

In addition to road transport, other transport sectors will also benefit from the funding. The measures include:

  • Electrification of ground handling services at eight airports,
  • Installation of shore power systems at nine ports, and
  • The establishment of two new bunkering stations for ammonia and methanol, enabling the use of alternative fuels in maritime transport.

German projects

EDRI Germany is coordinating two projects: “Drive-E Cohesion” and “Drive-E General”.

Drive-E Cohesion

  • Development of charging infrastructure for light and heavy-duty electric commercial vehicles.
  • 708 charging stations for light commercial vehicles and 126 charging stations for heavy-duty vehicles will be installed in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, and Slovakia.
  • The infrastructure will be developed along the TEN-T transport corridors, in urban areas, and potentially in secure parking zones.
  • CEF funding: €28.8 million.

Drive-E General

  • A second project, Drive-E General, is being developed in Austria, Germany, Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Lithuania, with €16.5 million in additional funding.
  • 224 charging stations for light commercial vehicles and 301 charging stations for heavy-duty vehicles will be installed.

BP Europe’s project

The project coordinated by BP Europe includes:

  • Development of public charging infrastructure, with 29 charging stations for heavy-duty vehicles in Austria, France, the Netherlands, and Germany.
  • Installation of 218 high-power charging columns, each with a capacity of 1 megawatt (MW), and 12 charging columns, each with 350 kilowatts (kW).
  • CEF funding: approximately €26.1 million.

In Germany, in addition to charging stations, funding is also being provided for two large-scale hydrogen refuelling stations to be built in North Rhine-Westphalia. This project is coordinated by Air Products GmbH, and the EU is providing approximately €6.3 million in funding for its implementation.

Funding and application deadlines

The funding is provided through a dedicated CEF programme, the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Facility (AFIF). For 2024 and 2025, a total of €1 billion is available.

The next deadline for funding applications is 11 June 2025, with the final application opportunity on 17 December 2025.

Applications and further details are available from the European Commission.

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