Germany reopens federal funding for zero-emission buses
By Luke Willetts - 3rd September 2025
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Germany – The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMV) has relaunched its national bus funding programme with applications now open. The scheme, which had been paused in early 2024, is designed to accelerate the transition of public transport fleets to zero emissions, covering battery-electric and fuel cell buses as well as the conversion (retrofit) of conventional buses. Charging, refuelling, and maintenance infrastructure are also eligible.
The programme will subsidise up to 80% of the additional investment costs for vehicles compared with diesel models, and up to 40% of the infrastructure costs, with higher rates available for small and medium-sized enterprises. Grants are capped at EUR 15 million per project. Unlike some national subsidy schemes, funding is open to all eligible transport operators and is not restricted to German-manufactured buses, allowing international OEMs to compete in the market.
