BERLIN (dpa-AFX) - Prospective buyers looking to take advantage of the new electric vehicle purchase premium can apply for state support starting today. Federal Environment Minister Carsten Schneider (SPD) is scheduled to activate the dedicated funding portal this morning. The application process is fully digital, requiring a 'BundID' - a centralized account used for online identification with government authorities.
Eligibility extends to the purchase and leasing of new electric vehicles, specific plug-in hybrids capable of running on both electricity and fuel, and electric vehicles equipped with range extenders. The latter are small internal combustion engines designed to increase an EV's driving range. To qualify, the vehicle must have been registered on or after January 1 of this year. The amount of the government grant depends on the vehicle type, household income, and family size, with subsidies reaching up to 6,000 euros.
Schneider views electric vehicles as a strategic response to high oil prices. 'The current fossil fuel crisis is far from over and could resurface at any time. Electromobility is our opportunity to gain independence from expensive diesel and gasoline,' he stated./hrz/DP/zb
