Funding scheme for inclusive taxis

2 December 2022 — The successful funding scheme ‘Wirtschaftsnahe Elektromobilität’ (WELMO) will be expanded to support inclusive electric taxis and the conversion of electric taxis into inclusive electric taxis. In doing so, the state of Berlin is supporting climate-neutral, inclusive mobility in the capital.

The new brochure ‘e-Taxi-Flotte Berlin’ has appeared at the same time, offering a comprehensive overview of the funding scheme, available vehicles and charging infrastructure for the taxi industry. The brochure is produced by Berlin Partner with the support of the industry publication ‘Taxi Times’ and distributed via ‘Taxi Berlin’ and the Guild of Berlin taxi trade.

Stephan Schwarz, Senator for Economics, Energy and Public Enterprises in Berlin: “Taxis are an important part of local public transport and a real symbol of Berlin. We are committed to the goal of achieving climate-neutral inclusive mobility as well. In future, we will therefore provide funding via the WELMO scheme to support the procurement of inclusive electric taxis of up to 15,000 euros per vehicle as well as the conversion of electric taxis into inclusive electric taxis, also with a grant of up to 15,000 euros. After all, accessible taxis are crucial on the road to an inclusive public transport network.”

As at 30/11/2022, almost 6,000 electric vehicles, of which 271 are taxis, around 1,650 charging stations and more than 153 electric mobility advisors applied. The scheme will run until the end of 2023.

In future, funding will be extended to inclusive electric taxis as well as the conversion of electric taxis into inclusive electric taxis. In doing so, climate neutrality should also be achieved in the inclusive mobility sector. Small and medium-sized businesses, as well as self-employed drivers, are entitled to apply. Detailed conditions can be found in the scheme guidelines.

Applications can now be submitted. The funding measures are implemented by IBB Business Team GmbH, a fully owned subsidiary of the IBB Group. From 2 December 2022, applications for funding of inclusive electric taxis and the conversion of electric taxis into inclusive electric taxis can be submitted via an electronic application system provided by IBB Business Team GmbH. The application form and further information can be found here.

With its ‘Wirtschaftsnahe Elektromobilität’ (WELMO) funding scheme, Berlin has been promoting commercial electric transportation since 2018. The following are funded: consultations, electrically operated vehicles such as electric commercial vehicles, electric taxis, battery-operated small and lightweight vehicles, electric scooters and S-Pedelecs plus regular and fast-charging infrastructure on private and publicly accessible areas.