In an effort to improve electric vehicle infrastructure, Hungary’s Ministry of Energy is launching a new program in early November focused on setting up charging stations in parts of the country where the number of such facilities is insufficient. The program, with a budget of 28 billion forints (approximately 72 million euros), requires applicants to build at least one charging station in a municipality with limited charging infrastructure.
According to data published on the Ministry of Energy’s website, by the end of 2023, there were about 2,500 public chargers, with nearly half of them located in Budapest and Pest County. As a result, the program is primarily targeted at less developed, rural areas, with the goal of making public chargers available at more than 100 locations across the country in the coming years.
Companies licensed to manage charging stations are eligible to participate in the competition. In the first phase of the technical call, which starts today and runs until October 21, 2024, companies can submit their proposed list of locations. The selection of locations will be based on priority needs.
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The project aims to accelerate the energy transition and the development of infrastructure needed for emission-free transport. Companies that apply can receive a minimum of 100 million forints (approximately 260 thousand euros) and a maximum of four billion forints (around 10 million euros). However, they are also required to invest at least 10 percent of their own funds.
The non-refundable grants can be allocated for the construction of charging stations equipped with energy storage or renewable energy production units. This means that these charging stations must have systems to store electricity for later use, as well as devices that utilize renewable sources to generate clean energy for charging vehicles.
In a parallel program worth 30 billion forints (approximately 78 million euros), companies can obtain non-refundable funds for the purchase of fully electric cars, light commercial vehicles, and minibuses by next spring. The Ministry of Energy is currently promoting green energy production and storage for households and businesses with a total of 260 billion forints (around 670 million euros) through various programs.
Energy Portal
