BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Following an agreement within the federal government on Sunday evening, Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) is set to unveil details of the new electric car subsidy as announced, at 10:00 a.m. This was confirmed by a spokesperson from the ministry to the German Press Agency in Berlin. With this subsidy, the government aims to make transportation more climate-friendly.
Press conference postponed at short notice
The new subsidy conditions were originally scheduled to be presented last Friday. However, the ministry postponed the press conference at the last minute to this Monday, citing the need for further coordination within the federal government.
The federal government had already agreed on key points for the new subsidy last year. According to these plans, private individuals with a taxable annual household income of up to 80,000 Euro will be eligible for the grant.
Support for around 800,000 vehicles
The "Bild" newspaper reported further details last week. The subsidy is expected to apply retroactively to electric cars newly registered since the turn of the year. Depending on income, family status, and other criteria, grants ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 Euro are possible.
"The funds should cover an estimated 800,000 vehicles over the next three to four years," Schneider told the newspaper. Families with children are expected to receive higher grants. However, applications can likely only be submitted starting in May, once the relevant online portal is activated.
Plug-in hybrids also to receive funding
So-called plug-in hybrids are also set to be subsidized under certain conditions. These are vehicles that can run both on battery power and conventional fuel.
Currently, there is no subsidy in place. The previous coalition of SPD, Greens, and FDP abruptly ended the program at the end of 2023 to plug budget gaps./hrz/DP/zb
