European Commission approves 70 million euro public support scheme for electric buses and charging infrastructure
The European Commission approved Germany鈥檚 70 million euro scheme to encourage public transport operators to replace conventional diesel buses with electric or plug-in hybrids running on renewable electricity under state aid rules, the Commission writes in a press release. EU Commissioner Margarethe Vestager called the plans a 鈥減ositive example of how to fight global warming鈥�. Public transport operators which plan to buy more than five electric or plug-in-hybrid buses can apply for support for up to 80 percent of the 鈥渁dditional investment costs鈥� through the German environment ministry. This includes all costs that arise when buying an e-bus instead of a diesel bus, including the necessary infrastructure. Electric buses help to keep the air in inner cities clean and reduce noise pollution, while contributing to climate protection, said environment minister Barbara Hendricks. The ministry will initially provide 35 million euros support, but plans to 鈥渋ncrease the amount soon鈥�.
Find the EU press release in English and the BMUB press release in German .
See the 威力彩玩法 dossier German carmakers and the Energiewende for background.