The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport in Germany has approved the subsidization of 151 all-electric Volta Zero trucks, providing support to Volta Trucks’ customers totaling €24.6m (US$26.9m).
The subsidies granted by the German ministry will be used to reduce vehicle costs. This is intended to create competitive prices and make the switch to an electric vehicle fleet more attractive for many companies. Volta Trucks will deliver the first subsidized Volta Zero all-electric trucks to customers in 2023. All orders received in Germany by June 2023 can benefit from a subsidy.
The subsidy for Volta Zero contributes to the implementation of the German government’s Climate Action Programme 2030. The aim is to put low-CO2-emitting commercial vehicles on the road and expand the refueling and charging infrastructure. By 2030, about one-third of the vehicle output in heavy goods transportation in Germany is to be electric or based on electricity-based fuels. From 2021 to 2026, around €1.3bn (US$1.4bn) is available to support the purchase of climate-friendly commercial vehicles. In addition, around €6.3bn (US$6.9bn) will be available for the construction or expansion of refueling and charging infrastructure for cars and trucks. The additional investment costs for vehicle and infrastructure procurement will be subsidized by 80%, and feasibility studies will also be supported.
The 151 Volta Zeros will receive a total of €24.6m (US$26.9m) in funding from the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport under the Directive on the Promotion of Light and Heavy Commercial Vehicles with Alternative, Climate-friendly Drive Systems and Associated Fueling and Charging Infrastructure (KsNI). The funding is coordinated by Now GmbH, and applications are approved by the Federal Logistics and Mobility Office.
Usuf Schermo, area sales manager for Germany and Austria at Volta Trucks, commented, “We are delighted that the Volta Zero has been successful in securing the subsidy funding from the federal ministry in Germany. This is a major achievement and enormous recognition for our all-electric truck even before the official start of production in the second quarter of this year. With the new climate and transformation fund, Germany is becoming an absolute pioneer in Europe, from which Volta Trucks customers can now also benefit.”
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