Cabinet approves electric charging station scheme

Cabinet on Wednesday rubberstamped a €3.7 million scheme for 1,000 electric vehicle charging stations across the country.

The efforts are part of the national recovery and resilience plan titled ‘rapid transition to a green economy – sustainable transport.’ Beneficiaries for the scheme include companies, associations, foundations, NGOs, local government authorities and individuals.

Transport Minister Yiannis Karousos said this was one more step to boost electric vehicles in the country, with the aim to have 1000 stations by 2026.

Submitted by the transport ministry, the scheme will be implemented in two phases. Applications for the first phase are accepted until January 31, 2023 with a budget of €1.8m. The second phase will be announced near the end of 2023, with the remaining sum of money.

Spots for the charging stations include public parking spots, private parking, petrol stations and designated areas for electric vehicle charging stations.

Every beneficiary can receive funding for up to four charging stations per district, at a maximum of 15 across the country. Local authorities are exempted from the rule and can place eight stations in their district.

As part of the scheme, half the expenditure can be compensated by the state, with a maximum amount depending on the charger’s output power. Charging stations in rural areas will receive up to 55 per cent of funding.

Applications and more information can be made at https://ev1000.cea.org.cy.