BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Certain car buyers in Germany can look forward to a new purchase subsidy for electric vehicles newly registered this year. According to a report by the "Bild" newspaper, the subsidy will apply retroactively to e-cars that have been newly registered since the beginning of the year. Depending on income, family status, and other criteria, grants between €1,500 and €6,000 will be possible.
"The funds are expected to cover around 800,000 vehicles over the next three to four years," Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider told the newspaper. He views the program as a boost for the domestic industry, which offers strong electric vehicles, said the SPD politician.
Last year, the Union and SPD agreed on new multi-billion euro purchase incentives, which are intended to benefit households with low and medium incomes in particular. Families with children will receive higher subsidies. The established income limit is €80,000 in taxable household annual income.
Schneider is scheduled to present details on the relaunch of the purchase subsidy this Friday (9:30 a.m.). A previous subsidy for electric passenger cars was abruptly discontinued by the coalition of SPD, Greens, and FDP at the end of 2023 in order to plug budget gaps.
It may still take several months before car buyers can actually receive the new subsidy. According to "Bild," a dedicated portal must first be launched. Applications are expected to be possible starting in May./jcf/DP/zb
