CEF Transport AFIF call 2026 for publicly accessible charging pools for heavy-duty vehicles
The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) has opened a new call for proposals for its Alternative Fuel Infrastructure Facility (CEF-T AFIF), under the topic CEF-T-2026-AFIFGEN-COSTS. Published on 18 June 2026 with a deadline on 6 October, the call supports the deployment of publicly accessible electric charging infrastructure for heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) along the TEN-T road network, contributing to the decarbonisation of road freight transport in line with the EU’s Green Deal objectives. A total budget of € 130 million is available for this topic.
What can you get funding for?
The call supports the construction of publicly accessible charging pools dedicated to heavy-duty vehicles. These must be equipped with at least four Megawatt Charging System (MCS) points, each with a minimum power output of 1MW, or a combination of MCS points and Combined Charging System (CCS) points of at least 350kW each, provided the number of CCS points does not exceed the number of MCS points. Eligible costs cover the construction of the charging pool itself: chargers and power cabinets, canopies, safety and security equipment, parking and circulation areas, and electricity infrastructure such as cabling, substations, batteries and dynamic energy management systems.
The charging pools must be located on the TEN-T road network (or within 3km driving distance of a TEN-T exit), in a certified Safe and Secure Parking Area, or in a TEN-T urban node — including port and airport areas. They must be accessible 24/7, dedicated exclusively to HDV use (with dedicated dimensioning and either physical or digital segregation from light-duty vehicles), fitted with a dynamic power allocation system, and supported by 24/7 phone assistance for end users. On-site renewable electricity generation and grid connection works can additionally be funded as “synergetic elements”, up to a maximum of 20% of total eligible project costs. Costs such as land acquisition, permits, studies, staff time, and ongoing operating expenditure (OPEX) are explicitly excluded from funding.
Who can apply?
Applicants must be public or private legal entities established in an EU Member State or a country associated with the CEF Programme. Natural persons are not eligible, except sole traders without separate legal personality. There is no minimum consortium requirement, single applicants may apply. A key condition is that the project must be backed by financing from a public or private financial institution covering at least 10% of the total project cost, formally approved by that institution’s governing body.
How much funding can you get?
The maximum EU contribution is capped at € 10 million per grant agreement, and applicants are encouraged (though not obliged) to request no less than € 1 million. Funding is provided at a rate of up to 30% of eligible works costs, rising to 70% for works carried out in outermost regions. It is a budget-based actual cost grant, meaning only actually incurred, eligible costs are reimbursed and grants may not generate a profit.
When to apply?
The call is open from 18 June 2026, with a submission deadline of 6 October 2026 at 17:00 CET (Brussels time). Evaluation will run from October 2026 to March 2027, with results expected in April 2027 and grant agreements to be signed around May/June 2027. Given the technical and financial documentation required, including an approved financing letter and environmental compliance file, early preparation is strongly advised.
Support from Hezelburcht
Hezelburcht can support you throughout the application process. From assessing the eligibility of your charging infrastructure project, to structuring the technical narrative and preparing the required financial documentation, including coordination with your financing institution. We have previously supported comparable transport infrastructure projects under CEF, such as De Gouden Leeuw truck parking project, which secured CEF-T funding. If you are considering an HDV charging infrastructure proposal under this AFIF call, we would be happy to assess your project’s fit and chances of success. Contact us via info@hezelburcht.com, call 088 495 20 00 or fill in our contact form.
