All you want to know about SWiM

The Hydrogen in Mobility Subsidy Scheme (SWiM) is a government subsidy — administered by the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) — for entrepreneurs who jointly invest in hydrogen refueling stations and/or hydrogen vehicles. The scheme runs annually through 2029 and aims to realize a nationwide network of at least 30 hydrogen refueling stations along major European motorways by 2030.

The application period for 2026 runs from 1 April 2026 (09:00) to 13 May 2026 (17:00). You can submit applications via rvo.nl/swim. RVO assesses applications as a tender: not on a first-come, first-served basis, but on the basis of the strongest dossier.

A consortium consists of at least:

• 1 operator of a hydrogen refueling station
• 1 transport company, logistics company, or shipper with one or more hydrogen vehicles

Shippers can also participate — you do not need to operate your own fleet. Other parties, such as port authorities or equipment operators, may also join. The consortium designates a lead partner who submits the application and bears the responsibility.

You will receive a maximum of 80% of the additional costs compared to a comparable diesel truck. Maximum amounts apply per vehicle:

A maximum of €8 million is available per consortium for vehicles.

For the construction, expansion, or upgrade of a standard hydrogen refueling station (suitable for heavy road transport), you will receive a maximum of 40% of the eligible costs, with a maximum of €3 million.

For a multimodal refueling station (also suitable for rail, inland waterways, or sea), the maximum is €4 million. The station must have a daily capacity of at least 1,000 kg of hydrogen and at least two independent refueling points (350 and 700 bar).

SWiM subsidizes new hydrogen vehicles (fuel cell and hydrogen combustion engine) as well as the retrofitting of existing vehicles. Eligible vehicles include:

• Heavy trucks (N2/N3)
• Light commercial vehicles (N1)
• Buses (M2/M3)
• Passenger cars (M1)
• Logistics equipment: terminal tractors, forklifts ≥5 tons, pushback trucks, telehandlers, material handling machines

50% of the total hydrogen purchase of all subsidized vehicles in the consortium must come from heavy road transport (M3, N2 & N3).

Yes. Both vehicles with a hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) and with a hydrogen combustion engine (H2ICE) are eligible for subsidies. However, the subsidy amount per vehicle is lower for H2ICE variants than for fuel cell variants.

You need at a minimum:

• A cooperation agreement stating the objective, responsibilities, duration, names, signatures, and designation of the lead partner
• Make, type, and trade name of each vehicle for which you are applying
• Chamber of Commerce number and SBI code of all participants
• For new filling stations: a letter of intent for the supply of renewable hydrogen
• An environmental permit (applied for or obtained) for the filling station

Yes, that is possible. You have two options:

• Join a consortium with a service station operator building a new station — this way, you jointly create the infrastructure and the fleet.
• Join a consortium centered around an existing service station and apply for a subsidy only for the vehicles.

Not sure where to find a service station partner? Contact us — we will connect you with the right consortia.

The SWiM cannot be combined with the AanZET subsidy (Zero-Emission Trucks Purchase Subsidy) for the same vehicle. However, SWiM can be combined with benefits from the truck toll refund (which helps fund this budget) and other tax schemes. Check with your accountant or tax advisor to determine the optimal combination for your situation.

Filling stations receiving SWiM subsidies must supply exclusively renewable hydrogen by 2036 at the latest. Renewable hydrogen must comply with the European Renewable Energy Directive (2018/2001). For new filling stations, a signed letter of intent for a supply contract for renewable hydrogen must be submitted with the application.