According to the latest report released by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA), approximately one-third of European states do not offer any incentives for the purchase of electric commercial vehicles, whether pure electric or plug-in hybrid.
Furthermore, only six countries provide benefits for the installation of charging infrastructure.
Estonia, Hungary, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom are notable examples where no tax benefits exist for the sector.
This has prompted manufacturers to call for greater public sector involvement in the renewal of public fleets.
The situation in Norway is particularly striking, as there are no incentives either for the purchase or for the installation of infrastructure for such vehicles.
This lack of incentives is similarly observed in the Baltic republics, Romania, and Slovenia, among other countries.
In contrast, Spain offers significant financial support through its Moves III programme.
This includes subsidies of up to 7,000 euros (9,000 euros with scrappage) for plug-in electric and fuel cell commercial vehicles up to 3,500 kilograms, and up to 4,500 euros (7,000 euros with scrappage) for passenger cars.
“It is essential to have a strong business case for transport operators to opt for zero-emission trucks and buses,” stated Thomas Fabian, ACEA’s Director of Commercial Vehicles.
He added that during the early stages of market development, incentives “are crucial to accelerate fleet renewal, support investments, and help optimise the total cost of ownership.”
