The
European Commission said Monday that 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.
According
to the Commission, 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 the acquisition
of electric and plug-in-hybrid buses rather than conventional diesel buses; and
the construction of the related electric charging infrastructure required for
the operation of these buses.
The
Commission said the EC has taken into consideration that it incentivises 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.
“This
scheme is another positive example of how to fight global warming,” Competition
Policy Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said, adding that in line with the EU’s
environmental goals, it will give public transport operators an incentive to
invest in low or zero-emission vehicles with the clear objective of reducing
CO2 emissions and improving air quality.
https://www.neweurope.eu/article/eu-approves-german-support-electric-buses-charging-infrastructure/