Lower Saxony’s Minister-President Olaf Lies is publicly urging the federal government to extend its proposed electric vehicle purchase incentive to include used vehicles, a move he argues is vital for equitable adoption of electric mobility and safeguarding European industry.
Currently, the German government’s plan allocates €3,000 towards the purchase of new electric vehicles, aiming to stimulate the market. However, Lies, in an interview with “Welt”, contends that this narrow focus overlooks a significant portion of the population. He emphasizes that individuals with lower incomes are far more likely to purchase used cars, even with substantial subsidies applied to new models. Restricting the incentive to new vehicles effectively excludes those who would benefit most, hindering the broader societal integration of electric vehicles.
Lies’ call is also strategically framed within a broader geopolitical context. He points out that the current landscape of used electric vehicles lacks a significant presence of older, imported models from China, a factor that would potentially complicate the incentive’s impact. Extending the subsidy to used EVs therefore represents a considerable opportunity to bolster the European electric vehicle sector, protecting local manufacturers and supply chains in a market increasingly dominated by Chinese competitors.
The proposal is encountering potential hurdles. Some within the federal government have questioned the feasibility and effectiveness of supporting used electric vehicles, citing concerns about quality control and battery lifespan. However, Lies’ position, backed by his role on the Volkswagen supervisory board and leadership of Lower Saxony, carries considerable weight and highlights a growing debate within Germany regarding the direction and inclusivity of its electric mobility transition. The call signals a push for a more nuanced and socially-conscious approach to promoting electric vehicle adoption, one that moves beyond simply encouraging new vehicle sales and actively addresses accessibility for all income brackets.
