Monday 27 July 2015

EU approves Dutch state aid for EVs projects

The European Commission has approved public funding worth €33 million (£23.43m) to build charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) in the Netherlands.

It believes the Dutch Green Deal scheme makes EVs a viable alternative in the country as it improves air quality without distorting competition in the Single Market.

Local authorities that decide to participate in the programme can choose the type of charging infrastructure for their community.

The public funding for the installation and operation of the charging points comes from the local authority concerned and is complemented by the Dutch Government.

The operators of the charging stations will be selected through competitive tenders.

Margrethe Vestager, Commissioner in charge of competition said: "Electric cars can provide real benefits to society by reducing carbon emissions, pollution and noise. The Dutch public support scheme approved today will help make electric cars a viable alternative to citizens in the Netherlands by providing the necessary infrastructure whilst keeping costs under control in line with EU state aid rules."

The scheme is scheduled to end on 1st July 2018.