How to get a €5,000 government subsidy to buy an electric car in Austria
The Austrian government is keen to get more people driving electric vehicles. Here’s what the latest changes to the e-car subsidy scheme could mean for you.
As of January this year, individuals in Austria can apply for a government subsidy up to €5,000 to buy an electric vehicle as part of the e-mobility scheme.
The Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) has earmarked €95 million for 2023 alone, which is part of the government’s aim to drastically reduce carbon emissions from transport in Austria.
The initiative applies to the purchase of e-cars, plug-in hybrids, e-motorcycles, e-mopeds and e-light vehicles in 2023.
FOR MEMBERS: Tax cuts and bonus payments: Austria's financial measures that will benefit people in 2023
Speaking about the initiative, Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) said: "Transport is a major lever for greater climate protection and more independence from fossil fuels.
“This is precisely where we are starting with our successful e-mobility offensive and ensuring a broad range of funding for e-mobility. Because one thing is clear: the future on the road is electric."
Austrian drivers may also find the choice more economical now than previously, with petrol prices forecast to increase again in 2024.
READ ALSO: How fuel prices in Austria are expected to rise next year
Anyone interested in applying for the funding has to register first at the Kommunal Kredit website. The funding is then reserved and you will receive a link to the online application form. To claim the funding, you need proof of purchase, so the application can only be submitted after buying an electric vehicle.
Also, the link for the application form is only available for 36 weeks after registration and the invoice cannot be more than nine months old at the time of application.
Registration for the scheme is open until March 31, 2024.
READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: How to keep energy bills down in Austria
Austria’s e-mobility scheme
The funding for private individuals marks the latest stage of the e-mobility scheme.
In 2022, government subsidies were available for businesses investing in e-vehicles and infrastructure. Some of this is now coming to an end as the focus switches to individuals.
However, companies can still claim a subsidy if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Have a purchase contract for an e-car from 2022.
- Will buy an e-car for a social institution, taxi business, driving school or for car sharing schemes in 2023.
- Will buy a light electric vehicle or two-wheeler in 2023.
- Will buy an e-minibus or commercial vehicle in 2023.
- Will invest in battery charging infrastructure in 2023.
Important links
For more information about the e-mobility scheme, visit umweltfoerderung.at or klimafonds.gv.at.
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As of January this year, individuals in Austria can apply for a government subsidy up to €5,000 to buy an electric vehicle as part of the e-mobility scheme.
The Federal Ministry for Climate Protection, Environment, Energy, Mobility, Innovation and Technology (BMK) has earmarked €95 million for 2023 alone, which is part of the government’s aim to drastically reduce carbon emissions from transport in Austria.
The initiative applies to the purchase of e-cars, plug-in hybrids, e-motorcycles, e-mopeds and e-light vehicles in 2023.
FOR MEMBERS: Tax cuts and bonus payments: Austria's financial measures that will benefit people in 2023
Speaking about the initiative, Climate Protection Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) said: "Transport is a major lever for greater climate protection and more independence from fossil fuels.
“This is precisely where we are starting with our successful e-mobility offensive and ensuring a broad range of funding for e-mobility. Because one thing is clear: the future on the road is electric."
Austrian drivers may also find the choice more economical now than previously, with petrol prices forecast to increase again in 2024.
READ ALSO: How fuel prices in Austria are expected to rise next year
Anyone interested in applying for the funding has to register first at the Kommunal Kredit website. The funding is then reserved and you will receive a link to the online application form. To claim the funding, you need proof of purchase, so the application can only be submitted after buying an electric vehicle.
Also, the link for the application form is only available for 36 weeks after registration and the invoice cannot be more than nine months old at the time of application.
Registration for the scheme is open until March 31, 2024.
READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: How to keep energy bills down in Austria
Austria’s e-mobility scheme
The funding for private individuals marks the latest stage of the e-mobility scheme.
In 2022, government subsidies were available for businesses investing in e-vehicles and infrastructure. Some of this is now coming to an end as the focus switches to individuals.
However, companies can still claim a subsidy if they meet any of the following criteria:
- Have a purchase contract for an e-car from 2022.
- Will buy an e-car for a social institution, taxi business, driving school or for car sharing schemes in 2023.
- Will buy a light electric vehicle or two-wheeler in 2023.
- Will buy an e-minibus or commercial vehicle in 2023.
- Will invest in battery charging infrastructure in 2023.
Important links
For more information about the e-mobility scheme, visit umweltfoerderung.at or klimafonds.gv.at.
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