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Economics Minister Gabriel has announced that the Cabinet approved the promotion of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles in May. Since the 2. July, the funding can be applied for.
It was a long fight, but now it is clear: The promotion of electric mobility in Germany is a done deal. How to get the bonus. Which prerequisites have to be met and how long the funding has been provided, we have summarized the answers to these questions in this 10-points catalog.
10 QUESTIONS about the electric car purchase bonus answered
1.) When can I apply for the environmental bonus?
The environmental bonus is 4000 Euro for pure electric vehicles and 3000 Euro for plug-in hybrids. The premium applies to new vehicles of all manufacturers wishing to participate in the program. Half of the environmental bonus is issued directly on the purchase price (manufacturer's share); BAFA transfers the federal share directly to the applicant.
2.) Where can I submit my application for the environmental bonus?
Car buyers can submit their applications directly to the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) exclusively online. The purchase contract must result in a reduced purchase price by the manufacturer's share.
You will find more information about the information to be provided when making the application after the entry into force of the directive here and here (PDF: 54 KB), BAFA then pays the federal portion of the environmental bonus (50%) directly to the end customer. By the way: The environmental bonus is also given to those customers who lease the vehicle. You can also benefit from the environmental bonus when buying or leasing company vehicles and commercial vehicles.
3.) Will I also get an environmental bonus for used electric vehicles?
No, used electric vehicles are not covered by the purchase premium. New cars are being promoted to boost market growth.
4.) Which electric vehicles are being promoted? Does the directive also cover e-bikes?
Electrically powered cars and light commercial vehicles are funded purely electrically or as a plug-in hybrid. In addition, vehicles are subsidized that - regardless of their drive - have no local CO2 emissions and vehicles which - regardless of their drive - have a maximum of 50 g CO2 emissions per kilometer. Single-track vehicles, ie e-bikes, are therefore not funded. You can find a list of all eligible electric vehicles here (PDF: 334 KB).
5.) Why will too Plug-in hybrids promoted? They also have an internal combustion engine?
In contrast to other hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids drive purely electrically for a certain distance and can be charged externally with electricity from renewable energies. Vehicles with emissions up to 50 g CO2 / km are funded with 3000 Euro. Plug-in hybrids meet these requirements.
6.) Are hydrogen vehicles also being promoted?
Yes, hydrogen vehicles will be funded with 4000 Euro, provided that their net list price of the base model is below 60.000 Euro.
7.) Who can receive the grant?
Eligible for funding are private, commercial and freelance applicants. Even service vehicles and other commercial vehicles are therefore promoted.
8.) Are re-imported vehicles funded?
No. The vehicle must first be registered in Germany. This does not apply to re-imports.
9.) How to ensure that the automotive industry participates and does not adjust prices?
The automotive industry must tell BAFA which vehicle models it would like to participate in. The involvement of the car manufacturer is noted in the purchase contract. For the promotion of the vehicle models, the net list price of the base model is set at the 31.12.2015 key date.
10.) What is the environmental bonus for electric vehicles?
The environmental bonus is 4000 Euro for pure electric vehicles and 3000 Euro for plug-in hybrids. The premium applies to new vehicles of all manufacturers wishing to participate in the program. Half of the environmental bonus is issued directly on the purchase price (manufacturer's share); BAFA transfers the federal share directly to the applicant.
What does Mitsubishi do? Promote the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV?
Right from the start, Mitsubishi has rewarded the purchase of a PHEV Outlander with an 4.000 € instant bonus without any state funding. So far, Mitsubishi has not commented on what price will now stand on the Outlander plug-in hybrid. In the official list of eligible vehicles is the Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid in all three trim levels.
Since the state subsidy is “only” € 3.000 and the manufacturer has to bear 50% of it - Mitsubishi is doing more from the start than has now been decided. A solution would be conceivable, according to which the state subsidizes the buyer of Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrids with € 1.500, the manufacturer stays with the subsidy of € 4.000 and this adds up to a price advantage of € 5.500. For our Mitsubishi long-term test, this would mean a purchase price of € 46,110 (RRP: € 51.610).
As soon as we have more information on the procedure and the current pricing for Outlander PHEV, we will publish it here.