With the currently state-subsidized environmental bonus, there is currently a federal contribution of up to 6000 euros for the purchase of an electric car. From next year, the environmental bonus is to be reduced and phased out completely after 2025. In the last few days, Finance Minister Christian Lindner (FDP) has caused a stir with statements about the environmental bonus. Lindner would like to abolish the measure earlier, but the Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection under the Green politician Robert Habeck opposes this.
Lindner insists that the federal government once again comply with the debt brake that was suspended due to the coronavirus crisis. Solid finances are the most important basis. Germany "simply can no longer afford misguided subsidies," said the FDP politician in an interview with Die Welt. "If it's up to me, the purchase premiums for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, for example, will be abolished." So far, the cars have been subsidized with up to 20,000 euros over their lifetime, even for top earners. "This is too much. We can save billions that we can use more sensibly."
The purchase promotion is relevant for the traffic turnaround, according to Habeck's ministry in response to Lindner's initiative. It is a very important building block, said a spokesman. He referred to the department's proposals for further funding for electric cars from 2023 and an internal government vote on this that is still ongoing. According to proposals from the Ministry of Economic Affairs in mid-April, there should only be subsidies for plug-in hybrids in 2022. In the case of pure electric cars, the federal share of currently up to 6000 euros should still be 4000 euros in 2023. In 2024 and 2025 it should be 3000 euros before no more funding will be granted from 2026.
After Lindner's statement, the Association of International Motor Vehicle Manufacturers emphasized that the manufacturers of electric cars and their customers rely on the environmental bonus. An abrupt omission would mean "a serious breach of trust". "For good reason, in order to achieve the national climate targets, the governing parties announced in the coalition agreement that the purchase bonus for electric cars would be further developed and continued until 2025," said VDIK President Reinhard Zirpel.
Lindner's position on the promotion of e-cars is also met with criticism from the ADAC. The automobile club demanded planning security from the federal government. "Against the background of the subsidy, many consumers have already ordered an electric car." For most models, the delivery times extended far into the next year, so that the planned state subsidy threatened to be dropped. Lindner's proposal was unacceptable in view of the politically created expectations.
