End of the e-car subsidy: what now applies to those affected
For many people, the environmental bonus for e-cars came as a complete surprise at the weekend. What about previous applications and those that were not received by the unexpected deadline?
It was always clear that the subsidy for e-cars would only last as long as there was money in the pot - probably until the end of 2024. But an exact date was not known until now.
What was clear, however, was that new, lower incentives would apply from 2024. Anyone who therefore wanted to submit an application quickly by the end of the year may have been surprised by the sudden funding stop at the end of December 17.
Since Monday (December 18), no new applications for the environmental bonus can be submitted to the responsible Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA). This was announced by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Protection.
Amounts already approved will be paid out
The good news first: "If you already have the funding approval, then you should also receive the maximum 4500 euros," says ADAC spokeswoman Katrin van Randenborgh. For applications received before this short deadline, the ADAC refers to statements from the BAFA. According to this, all applications will still be considered in the order in which they are received.
"That is a somewhat cryptic formulation," says van Randenborgh. Because at the same time, such funding is always subject to the proviso that the funding pot is still full.
Will the government row back again?
What about everyone who wants to submit an application after the deadline? "As things stand at the moment, they are out," says the spokeswoman. And it doesn't matter whether a car has already been purchased and registered and only the application still needs to be submitted.
The only way to get things moving is through political or public pressure. "The criticism is now also very, very loud within the coalition of traffic lights, so perhaps the federal government will correct itself," says van Randenborgh.
The car was bought - can I still cancel?
But what if you now want to cancel the purchase of an e-car without the subsidy? "That's only possible in individual cases," says van Randenborgh. For example, if the environmental bonus is to be regarded as the basis of the purchase contract, which now no longer applies. Otherwise, a lump-sum compensation of 10 to 15 percent of the purchase price is usually due in the event of a withdrawal.
"If the dealer has promised you that you can still take the subsidy with you in any case, whether in writing or verbally, then you should rely on this," says Hermann-Josef Tenhagen. And if it is a car from a very recent online purchase, the 14-day right of withdrawal from the Distance Selling Act could apply, says the editor-in-chief of the "Finanztip" advice portal.
The ADAC and Hermann-Josef Tenhagen expect that some manufacturers will grant the state part of the environmental bonus in part or in full as an additional voluntary discount. "Especially in view of the competition from China," says Tenhagen. According to media reports, the first manufacturers have already announced this.
"But there is no legal basis for saying: now that the government's share has been cut, you can add something to it. This is exclusively the goodwill of the manufacturer," says ADAC spokeswoman van Randenborgh. "However, we assume that there will now be a bit more price competition in the market against the background that the vehicles are simply still so expensive that they are difficult to sell at the end of the day."
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- Some individuals may be interested in exploring options for electric cars, with both Jeep models and Fiat models available in the electromobility market.
- The Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection has announced that no new applications for e-car subsidies can be submitted since December 18, affecting Stellantis brands like Jeep and Fiat.
- For those who have already applied and received approval for the environmental bonus, such as for electric Opel or Peugeot models, they can expect to receive the full 4500 euros, according to ADAC Advisor Katrin van Randenborgh.
- Consumers concerned about electric car charging infrastructure can rely on the presence of charging stations for e-cars, which have been increasing in numbers, as the electromobility trend continues to grow.
- Amidst Fiat's push to expand into China, the country has emerged as a key market for electric vehicles, with consumers looking for affordable options like the 500 and 500e models.
- In light of the recent government changes in e-car subsidies, experts like Hermann-Josef Tenhagen expect some manufacturers to offer additional discounts or incentives, such as Stellantis and its brands, to remain competitive in the market.
- Consumer protection advocates urge individuals to consider their rights when buying electric cars, such as the potential for cancellation or additional incentives from manufacturers, to ensure a fair purchase decision.
Source: www.ntv.de
