Last week, the Austrian Ministry of Environment published a 10 point action plan for electric mobility in order to stimulate the EV market. Renewable energies, higher energy efficiency, EV mass market, conversion of fleets to EVs and extension of EV charging infrastructure are some of the points tackled under the action plan.

A ten point action plan to pave the way for electric mobility in Austria has just been published. It aims at bringing in the medium run 250,000 electric vehicles (EVs) on the streets which would account for 430,000 CO₂ emissions reductions.

The plan developed by the Austrian Environment Ministry together with the Chamber of Commerce foresees incentives for EVs on one hand, and incentives for renewable energies on the other. Purchase incentives will be given in particular to companies, regions and public institutions purchasing electric vehicles. For fleets of up to 10 EVs, fixed subsidies of 5,000 euro per electric vehicle running on renewable power and 2,500 euro per electric vehicle running on regular power will be granted. For fleets exceeding 10 EVs the subsidies will be determined on case by case basis.

Strong emphasis is put on extending the available product range. For the moment, there is a lack of ready marketed EVs which forces the government to commission the refitting of engine powered vehicles into electric vehicles. The environmentally friendly mobility concepts in the model regions of Vorarlberg and Salzbourg which combine e-mobility with car-sharing, public transport passes, renewable energies etc. have encountered such a success that the demand for electric vehicles can barely be satisfied.

EV drivers benefit from tax incentives such as tax exemptions on new car purchases. They are also not subject to traffic restrictions based on regulations for emissions reductions. The EV infrastructure will be extended, parking areas adjusted to EVs and smart grids will also be developed with regard to customised charging control and improved power storage capacity for regenerative power supply. Training courses for the servicing of EVs will furthermore be included into the curricula of vocational schools and apprentice courses.

The action plan will be realised through initiatives by the Environment Ministry and the Chamber of Commerce and will serve as basis for the formulation of a future master plan on electric mobility intended to push the rapid introduction of electric mobility on the basis of renewable energies.