Switching Gears: Bonuses for Electric Cars Among Discussion Amid Climate Protections
German labor union pushes for incentives on electric vehicles - Union federation in Germany advocates for higher insurance rates for electric vehicles
Yasmin Fahimi has weighed in on the current reshaping of the electromobility sector, stressing the importance of benefiting Germany's automotive industry from this competition.
Previously, Matthias Miersch voiced support for a break on electric car prices. "I advocate for an incentive, particularly for individuals struggling to purchase a new vehicle," he said to "Bild am Sonntag." Apart from a purchase discount, leasing assistance could also be viable.
Miersch noted that negotiations between the Union and the SPD will be crucial in determining the course of action, but emphasized that Germany can't delay in implementing climate protections. "Helping shape the future of mobility is one of our top priorities," he stated, referring to the use of funds from the recently established $500 billion special fund.
After halting the federal environmental bonus for electric car purchases in late 2023 due to the budget crisis, sales of electric cars in Germany plummeted. However, new electric vehicle registrations saw a substantial increase in February of this year, according to the Federal Motor Transport Authority.
In February, a total of 35,949 electric vehicles were newly registered, representing a slight decline in overall car registrations (203,434 new passenger cars), which dipped by 6.4 percent compared to the previous year. Registrations of gasoline vehicles dropped by 26.2 percent, and those of diesel vehicles fell by 23.8 percent. In contrast, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars experienced growth, making hybrids the leading category in terms of share, followed by gasoline, electric, and diesel vehicles.
The European Commission, as well as other organizations, are actively discussing various initiatives to encourage electric vehicle adoption as part of broader climate protection strategies. Examples include incentives like bonuses and discounts in countries like Germany, France, and Italy [1], and adjustments to climate targets for carmakers to accommodate longer periods for compliance with CO2 standards [5]. Additionally, initiatives like CECRA's financial incentives and social leasing models aim to make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible, aligning with climate objectives [2].
As discussions around incentives like bonuses for electric cars continue, it's evident that there is a broader European movement towards promoting electromobility and reshaping the market towards more sustainable options.
References:[1] European Incentives for Electric Vehicles[2] CECRA: Pushing for Financial Incentives and Social Leasing for Electric Vehicles[3] Tagesspiegel[4] German Trade Union Confederation[5] EU Commission Considering Extensions of Climate Targets for Car Manufacturers
- Miersch's advocacy for incentives, particularly on electric cars, could be in line with the European Commission's discussions, as they aim to encourage electric vehicle adoption among EC countries, such as Germany, France, and Italy.
- Yasmin Fahimi, in her commentary on the electromobility sector, might be interested in the vocational training opportunities that could arise from reshaping Germany's automotive industry to focus on electric and hybrid vehicles, aligning with the broader European movement towards promoting electromobility.
- The German Trade Union Confederation could potentially support initiatives like CECRA's social leasing models for electric vehicles, as these models aim to make electric vehicles more affordable and accessible, promoting employment in the vocational training sector involved in electric and hybrid vehicle production.
