The incentive of 4,500 euros for electric cars, sourced from a fund that the Federal Constitutional Court halted, is causing a predicament for numerous buyers eagerly awaiting their ordered electric vehicles, as per a report from Die Zeit.
This setback in the form of a potential reduction or cancellation of the environmental bonus poses a challenge for policymakers and the automotive industry in achieving their bold aim of having 15 million electric cars cruising on German roads by 2030. A meeting, scheduled for today, November 27, with Chancellor Scholz in attendance, aims to brainstorm ways to keep this plan on track.
The uncertainty looming over future funding is concerning. The Federal Ministry of Economics is thoroughly exploring all possible options. ADAC emphasized the importance of disbursing already approved applications to maintain public trust. There’s a firm commitment of 500 million euros for 2024, but what lies beyond remains hazy.
The system for state electric car bonuses operates on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis, potentially depleting available funds rapidly if a surge in applications occurs at the year’s outset. Already, the funding for 2023 has seen a reduction.
For prospective electric car buyers, this uncertainty offers little ground for solid planning. While some manufacturers assure they’ll cover differences in incentives for now, the long-term sustainability of this remains in doubt. Many already heavily subsidize their electric vehicles to meet environmental targets.
Without ongoing state support, expert opinions suggest a significant risk to the growth of e-mobility. To appeal to a wider audience, electric vehicle prices need substantial drops. However, a certain price signal, like a higher CO2 price for gasoline, is deemed necessary to encourage the switch to electric cars.
Today’s meeting at the Chancellery, the second high-level gathering of the Strategy Platform for the Transformation of the Automotive and Mobility Industry, boasts an impressive lineup.
Apart from the Chancellor and relevant ministries, CEOs of German automotive companies, leaders from the supply industry, unions, and works councils will participate. Representatives from the energy sector, semiconductor and battery manufacturers, environmental organizations, and the scientific community are also expected to contribute.
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