(Reuters, 16.Dec.2023) — Germany’s electrical vehicle subsidy programme will end prematurely on Monday after paying out some 10bn euros since 2016, the Economics Ministry said, the latest sign of belt-tightening following the adoption of a revised 2024 budget this week.
The new budget had to be slimmed down after a ruling by Germany’s constitutional court that blew a 60bn euro ($65.36bn) in the country’s state budget and forced the government to shelve some programmes designed to speed up Germany’s green transition.
The e-car subsidy was originally intended to apply until the end of 2024. Subsidies already applied for will be paid out but no new applicants will be accepted from Monday.
Germany’s car industry has been expanding its range of electric vehicles after China and the U.S. stole a march on German manufacturers in the fast-growing industry.
($1 = 0.9179 euros)
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Reporting by Hans Busemann, writing by Thomas Escritt. Editing by Jane Merriman
