The country, for instance, has introduced the “Charge the Car” Grant to help EV owners cover up to half the expenses needed to build EV supply equipment (EVSE). Individual drivers can receive up to 10,000 SEK (€1,000), while the government provides up to 15,000 SEK (€1,500) for institutions.
The Swedish Transport Association Fast Charging Grant covers the total costs of fast-charging EVSE for public use. This grant only applies to locations close to major roads that do not have adequate fast-charging facilities. The Swedish Transport Association prioritizes locations based on traffic flows. The regulation says busy roads are the top priority.
The Klimatklivet program targets institutions that develop projects with high climate benefits, including public charging stations. The government will provide up to 70 percent of the cost needed to conclude each project. Most projects under the initiative receive from 30 to 65 percent of their total expenses.
Tax reduction also applies to Swedes who adopt green technologies, including installing EVSE in their homes. Each person can see a tax deduction of up to 50,000 SEK per year. This program also applies to Swedes who install grid-connected solar systems.
Swedish municipalities introduce local programs to support the development of charging infrastructure. Stockholm offers free charging for hybrid and electric vehicles. Residents who subscribe to the city’s parking space pay only for the spot and not the charging fees.
Malmö also provides low-cost charging services for EV drivers across the city. The Malmö government plans to equip 20 percent of the city’s parking spots with EVSE to accommodate the growing number of EV users.
Being a nascent industry, EVs are more expensive than vehicles with combustion engines. The 2018 Bonus-Malus scheme implements higher taxes on vehicles with higher carbon emissions. Meanwhile, EV buyers may receive a bonus for each unit bought.
The Swedish government also offers grants for electric bus purchases. Municipalities and public transport firms that buy electric buses for public use will receive 20 percent of the sale price. Meanwhile, private transport companies can get up to 40 percent of the bus price.
Critical Role of Charging Infrastructure in E-mobility
Sweden’s push toward electric transport aligns with its goal to be climate neutral by 2045. By the end of 2030, the International Energy Agency predicts that the electrification of road transport can also reduce fossil fuel demand by 5 million barrels a day.
A reliable charging infrastructure is critical for optimizing EV adoption, say analysts. Battery-powered vehicles need frequent top-ups. The lack of charging stations will limit EV utilities. Underdeveloped charging infrastructure has deterred drivers across the globe from transitioning to e-mobility.
The European Parliament and EU ministers have signed the Alternative Fuels and Infrastructure Regulation. Swedish Minister for Infrastructure and Housing Andreas Carlson said the deal ensures that EV drivers will no longer “feel anxious” about access to charging and refueling stations.
“This means that more public recharging capacity will be available on the streets in urban areas as well along the motorways,” said Carlson.
Analysts say the growth rate of EV infrastructure in Sweden is slow relative to the increase in EV adoption. Mobility Sweden predicts that there will be 265,000 new electric passenger cars registered this year in Sweden.
Meanwhile, data showed that there were 784 fast charging stations across the country by the end of 2022. The demand-supply gap presents opportunities for the private sector to develop the country’s charging infrastructure.
Nimbnet and Private Operators
Nimbnet aims to partner with the private sector to speed up Sweden’s transition to e-mobility. The service provider sets out to put in place best practices in the EV charging sector. It includes using fast-charging technology and green energy supply.
Nimbnet helps private businesses with the space to install charging stations but does not have the means to do so. It offers full services to partners with the flexibility to choose business models. Revenue-sharing and cost-sharing are the two most popular models in the sector.
The provider’s charging stations accommodate private and heavy-duty EVs. It also applies a dynamic pricing system, which means charging costs fluctuate depending on energy availability and hourly electricity rate.
Nimbnet customers can use its app to determine the best routes and recommended stations to recharge their car batteries. This app also provides information about the most efficient way to top up the driver’s battery. The provider now operates charging networks in Sundsvall, Gothenburg, Nordmaling and Söderhamn.
Private businesses can gain profits not only from offering charging services but also from cross-sales. For example, a convenience store owner installs an EV charging station at its establishment. They may see an increase in sales of other products, such as food and beverages. Drivers may shop at the store while waiting for the charging process.