BDEW: Sustainable tax incentives instead of expensive subsidy programs
Electromobility as the key to Germany's automotive future: BDEW calls for a clear course to be set
09.01.2025
Source: E & M powernews
The BDEW believes that electromobility is crucial for Germany's future as an automotive location. The industry association names five levers for this.
The German Association of Energy and Water Industries (BDEW) emphasizes that in times of intensive discussions about transport policy, a strong electromobility market in Germany and Europe is the best way to assert itself as a technology location. The industry has been investing heavily in electromobility for years, as it is aware of the importance of the technology for the future of mobility, according to a recent statement from the association.
BDEW has formulated five key measures to help further strengthen this market and provide political support:
- Adopt a European perspective: no special national regulations, electromobility does not end at national borders
- Maintaining the EU CO2 fleet limits: these are currently the most reliable basis for electromobility.
- Incentives for e-vehicles through sustainable tax measures instead of expensive subsidy programs.
- Reduce bureaucratic hurdles in the expansion of charging stations: Free up space and simplify approval processes.
- End state subsidies for charging stations: Competition will provide faster and better solutions.
"Electromobility has established itself as a successful model," says Kerstin Andreae with conviction. According to the Chairwoman of the BDEW Executive Board, the association's own survey shows that 97% of electric car drivers would choose an electric vehicle again. Acceptance of electromobility is growing on a broad basis among the population. Andreae: "We are in a mass market in which electric cars will soon be the 'new normal' on Germany's roads."
Norway as a blueprint
It is important that companies can rely on clear, long-term political support to enable the further expansion of electromobility. The BDEW refers to the successful model of Norway, which has strengthened the attractiveness of e-vehicles through targeted taxation. There are now more electric cars on the roads in the Scandinavian country than petrol cars. Nine out of ten new cars were electric in 2024, according to data from the Road Traffic Authority.
The discussion about new funding programs should rather be avoided with regard to sustainable and effective solutions, said Andreae. "The development of pioneering electric mobility products in Germany requires more support. A strong domestic market is the best way to survive as a technology location worldwide. Political framework conditions must support this principle," said Andreae.
There has recently been a growing number of voices calling for the promotion of electromobility. Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD), for example, called for joint purchase incentives for electric cars by the EU member states. Tax advantages and premiums should be used to promote the purchase of electric cars in order to increase competitiveness and reduce CO2 emissions. Last December, Scholz emphasized that coordinated measures at EU level were necessary to sustainably strengthen the market and accelerate the switch to electric vehicles.
Author: Davina Spohn
