The German government recently announced at a press conference that the environmental bonus for electric cars will be ended early. Originally, it was only vaguely hinted that this would happen in the foreseeable future, but without giving a specific date. The surprising information then came at short notice: applications for the "environmental bonus" electric car purchase incentive can no longer be submitted after December 17, 2023. The Federal Ministry of Economics had announced this decision just one day earlier.
However, the sudden end of the state purchase premium for electric cars has triggered a wave of criticism. Subsidies that have already been promised are not affected by the premature end of the environmental bonus and will be paid out as planned. Applications received by the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) up to and including December 17, 2023, will continue to be processed in the order in which they are received. However, this regulation means that electric cars registered after December 18, 2023 will no longer receive a premium, which is very annoying for many buyers.
Some manufacturers have already reacted. As of December 18, 2023, they have taken measures to support their customers when the subsidy is discontinued. It is advisable to check exactly what solutions the manufacturer of the electric car you have ordered offers in this case. One example of this is Tesla, which published a statement on X on Monday evening (18.12.23). Specifically, Tesla wants to compensate for the loss of the purchase premium for all Model 3 and Model Y orders, provided the electric car is delivered between December 18 and 31, 2023. The manufacturer's share of 2250 euros will generally be retained.
To continue supporting the transition to sustainable energy, Tesla will compensate for the termination of the government EV subsidy in Germany for new Model 3/Y orders (starting 18 Dec for vehicles delivered by 31 Dec)
- Tesla Europe & Middle East (@teslaeurope) December 18, 2023
We will also maintain the manufacturer's share of 2250€....
What will happen in 2024 remains to be seen. However, it is expected that many manufacturers will introduce discounts and price reductions to compensate for the loss of the state premium. In any case, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer of the vehicle ordered before taking hasty action.
