BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - The new incentive program for electric vehicles can proceed as planned, with retroactive eligibility for registrations dating back to the beginning of the year. Following the Bundestag's lead, the Bundesrat in Berlin has now granted its approval.
Under the scheme, private customers can apply for state subsidies when purchasing battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids, and range-extended electric vehicles. Depending on the vehicle type and personal circumstances, the grant ranges from 1,500 to 6,000 euros. However, eligibility is subject to income caps: the threshold is set at an annual household income of 80,000 euros, rising to 90,000 euros for households with two children.
Subsidies for pure EVs start at 3,000 euros
The baseline subsidy for pure electric cars is 3,000 euros. For households with a maximum income of 60,000 euros, the grant increases to 4,000 euros, while those earning up to 45,000 euros are eligible for 5,000 euros. The incentive increases by 500 euros per child, capped at a total additional bonus of 1,000 euros.
The provision establishing January 1st as the effective start date for eligibility was attached to legislation aimed at improving consumer protection in credit agreements. Consequently, the Bundesrat did not vote on the EV subsidies as a standalone measure. The specific technical details of the new purchase premium did not require formal approval from either the Bundestag or the Bundesrat./sk/DP/men
