Of course the are pumping them full of subsidies. For example: they are freed of taxation
I know it's economically similar, but I can't bring myself to call tax breaks a "subsidy".
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I stumbled upon this article that provides a comprehensive overview of the various subsidies available in different countries.
The future is electric, but only if we make it so. That’s why governments across Europe offer tax benefits and purchase initiatives to incentivize the adoption of BEVs. Measures vary per country, but this overview of eight major European fleet markets also shows some common trends: reducing the initial cost of EVs, developing charging infrastructure, and – last but certainly not least – helping corporates make the transition. (For an overview of incentives in eight minor European fleet markets, click here).
Germany
Road tax: BEVs are exempt for a maximum of 10 years. Exemption ends at end of 2030. Valid for all vehicles registered before end of 2025. Company car tax: reduction by up to half of the taxable amount of (1% of the car’s list price) for private use of BEVs and PHEVs, and additional reduction of the taxable amount for BEVs up to €60,000. Buying incentives: Having phased out its corporate incentives in September 2023, the German government in December abruptly cancelled its EV buying incentives for private consumers as well.
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Thanks.
There's also the punitive taxes on EV's primary substitute.
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I know what You mean. In addition to this relative tax relief, let's call it that, manufacturers and consumers receive subsidies at a wide variety of levels, starting with certificate trading and exemptions for CO2 consumption, and ending with direct subsidies, so-called short-time working allowances and other regulations to help the industry again and again.
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