Germany are looking to sanction a bill that will allow electric vehicle drivers to park for free and use bus lanes.
In an effort, to encourage the uptake of sustainable transportation, the German Cabinet has backed a bill that would offer drivers of battery-electric cars, fuel cell vehicles and some plug-in hybrids free parking and the right to use the bus lanes.
“Electric cars will get their own labels so they’re recognizable to everyone,” Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt said in the statement. “Sales will rise amid an increasing selection of electric models and a growing number of e-cars on the roads.”
The incentives will be similar to those enjoyed in Norway, whose heavy support of electric transport, has seen it grow into the largest EV market in Europe. (interestingly the Norwegian government’s booming EV sales are not viewed positively by everyone)
Germany, the focal point of the European auto industry, has set a goal of having 1 million electric vehicles on its roads by 2020, from about 21,000 at the start of 2014. The aim is to reassert the country’s prowess in auto manufacturing as well as reducing greenhouse gas emissions to meet climate-protection targets.
The measures “can boost electric mobility,” Matthias Wissmann, president of the VDA auto industry group, but “the rules have to take effect quickly and apply nationally to convince customers”.
The UK has also been supportive of electric vehicles, recently unveiling a £500 million funding package to encourage growth in the market.
Bloomberg
