Environment
#StateAid: Commission approves €70 million public support scheme for electric buses and charging infrastructure in Germany
The European Commission has found German plans to support the purchase of electric buses and related recharging infrastructure by public transport operators to be in line with EU state aid rules. The measure contributes to reducing CO2 emissions while limiting distortions of competition.
The scheme, set up by Germany with a budget of €70 million, will support public transport operators until the end of 2021, covering the additional costs for: i) the acquisition of electric and plug-in-hybrid buses rather than conventional diesel buses; and ii) the construction of the related electric charging infrastructure required for the operation of these buses.
The Commission considers that it incentivizes bus operators to invest in this type of vehicle and in the necessary charging infrastructure. The measure is also in line with the European Strategy for low-emission mobility, and its support for the move towards zero-emission vehicles in cities and for creating a market for such vehicles.
Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, said: "This scheme is another positive example of how to fight global warming. In line with the EU environmental goals, it will give public transport operators an incentive to invest in low or zero emissions vehicles with the clear objective of reducing CO2 emissions and improving air quality."
A full press release is available in DE, EN, FR.
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