The SPRILA subsidy is intended for entrepreneurs who want to invest in charging infrastructure and energy storage on their own premises. In practice, the scheme raises many questions: who exactly qualifies, which costs are eligible, and how does this scheme relate to broader investments in energy and grid capacity?

Many companies face the same challenge: they want to sustainability-proof, electrify, and become future-proof, but are held back by high investment costs and limited grid connections. In this context, the SPRILA subsidy is not an isolated contribution, but an instrument that helps companies take this step.

This article provides a complete and practical explanation of what the SPRILA subsidy is, who it is for, what is eligible, and how to approach the application process.

What exactly is the SPRILA subsidy?

SPRILA stands for Subsidieregeling Private Laadinfrastructuur bij bedrijven (Subsidy Scheme for Private Charging Infrastructure for Companies) and was established to accelerate the deployment of charging stations on private land. The scheme targets business users who want to implement charging facilities for their own vehicles or for those of employees and visitors. This does not apply to public charging stations along the road, but to charging points on business sites, parking lots, and logistics hubs.

Entrepreneurs can apply for a subsidy to cover part of the costs of the charging infrastructure. This includes not only the charging stations themselves, but also installation costs and, in some cases, additional facilities required to ensure the charging points function safely and efficiently. The subsidy amount depends on the type of charging point, the power output, and the number of charging points.

Important: the scheme does not stand alone from broader energy issues. Applications increasingly look at grid load, simultaneous use, and the extent to which smart control is applied. The SPRILA subsidy thus fits into a larger framework where companies do not just facilitate charging, but also consider energy management and future viability.

Combining charging infrastructure with battery storage?

Discover how a battery container prevents grid congestion and strengthens your SPRILA application.

Is the SPRILA subsidy also relevant for battery storage?

This is a question that is being asked more frequently. The SPRILA subsidy focuses primarily on charging infrastructure, but battery storage plays a direct role in many SPRILA projects in practice.

More charging points mean higher peak load on the grid. Grid reinforcement is not always possible or affordable. Companies that combine their charging infrastructure with a battery container can utilize the available grid capacity more efficiently, store energy when demand is low, and deploy it for vehicle charging during peak times.

Although not all components of battery storage are directly eligible under the SPRILA subsidy, the application is stronger when it is clear that the charging points are part of a well-designed energy concept. Companies in logistics and manufacturing, where charging times often coincide with other peaks in energy consumption, benefit most from this combined approach.

Who qualifies for the SPRILA subsidy?

The SPRILA subsidy is exclusively intended for corporate entities. Private individuals do not qualify. Eligible parties include:

• SMEs and large enterprises

• Logistics service providers

• Property managers

• Institutions with a commercial connection

A key condition is that the charging infrastructure must be installed on private land and used primarily for business purposes. In addition, the applicant must have legal and economic responsibility for the location, either as owner or through a long-term right of use.

Organizations that already plan for growth in electric vehicles and want to implement smart charging infrastructure, for instance using load balancing or integration with energy storage, present the strongest applications.

Which costs are eligible under the SPRILA scheme?

The scheme focuses primarily on costs directly associated with construction of charging infrastructure:

• Charging points: both AC charging points and DC fast chargers can qualify, provided they meet the technical requirements

• Installation costs: cabling, mounting, panel board connections, and necessary adaptations

• Smart control: provisions for load balancing and smart charging strengthen the application

Costs excluded from the scheme: maintenance, subscriptions, back-office services, and purely aesthetic changes.

How do you apply for the SPRILA subsidy?

Applying for the SPRILA subsidy requires careful preparation:

• Timing: the scheme operates with application phases and budget caps; missing the window means no budget is available

• Documentation: installer quotes containing sufficient detail regarding costs and technical specifications

• Sequence: the subsidy must be applied for and granted before installation begins; starting earlier invalidates the subsidy claim

• Justification: applications demonstrating that the charging infrastructure fits a broader plan for electrification and energy management show the strongest case

  
  

Frequently asked questions about the SPRILA subsidy

What exactly does SPRILA mean?
SPRILA stands for Subsidieregeling Private Laadinfrastructuur bij bedrijven, meant for commercial charging stations on private land.

Can private individuals apply for the SPRILA subsidy?
No, the scheme is exclusively intended for corporate entities and institutions.

Is the SPRILA subsidy also relevant for battery storage?
Not directly, but companies combining charging infrastructure with a battery container present stronger applications and resolve grid congestion issues.

Which charging points does the subsidy apply to?
Both AC charging points and DC fast chargers can qualify, provided they meet the technical requirements.

Are installation costs also subsidized?
Yes, a portion of the installation costs is eligible, provided they are directly required for the charging infrastructure.

Do I need to apply for the subsidy before installation?
Yes, in most cases the subsidy must be applied for and granted before installation begins.

Is SPRILA relevant for small businesses?
SMEs can also benefit, particularly when they plan to implement multiple charging points.

What happens if the budget limit is reached?
The scheme operates with caps per round; if exceeded, applications are either deferred or rejected.