Many motorists in Luxembourg are finding it difficult to make the switch. However, alternative technologies have started to become more popular, according to the auto industry and politics around the subject. The grants which became available on 1 August should increase the popularity of electromobility.
Following a parliamentary question by Green Party MP Carlo Back, Minister for the Environment Carole Dieschbourg says the number of vehicles with no or fewer Co2 emissions is on the rise. In 2018, 430 electric cars were registered, and 549 were registered in the first half of 2019 alone. The numbers for plug-in hybrid cars have not increased quite as much: 713 such vehicles were registered in 2018 and 376 were registered in the first six months of 2019.
Regarding other hybrids, on the other hand, 1050 of those were registered in the first half of 2019 alone, surpassing the total number or registrations of 2018 in just six months, despite the lack of a tax allowance or subsidies. 53.000 new cars were registered in 2018 altogether.
Philippe Mersch, from the auto federation Fedamo, notes that customers have become increasingly interested in alternative technologies and are buying electric cars. He thinks that, by 2020, more and more people will be making the switch to electric cars, assuming that car manufacturers will produce the cars they’ve promised to put on the market. An increase in charging stations throughout the country along with the subsidies should also help.
More than half of recently registered electric cars in Luxembourg were not registered under individuals.
With the aim of making mobility more sustainable and clean, subsidies have already been put in place in the past. This year, however, the government will reimburse 25% of the purchasing price (without VAT) up to a maximum of €300 for bikes and e-bikes with speeds of up to 25km/h. 1775 demands for this grant have been introduced since the beginning of the year, with more or less equal amounts in both categories.
Since 1 August, grants of €5000 can be claimed for registered 100% electric or fuel cell vehicles, although the latter are less common in Luxembourg.
For quadricycles, motorcycles, scooters or e-bikes of up to 45 km/h in the above categories, the state will reimburse 25% of the purchasing price excluding VAT of up to €500.
For plug-in hybrids with emissions of less than 50 grams of CO2 per kilometre, the grant will be €2500.
The subsidies will be granted provided that the vehicle was registered after 1 January 2019. The grant can be requested between seven months and 2 years of receiving the grey and yellow cards. The vehicle also has to be registered in the applicant’s name within six months of entering into service.
It is also possible to apply for the grant for lease cars, under certain conditions. This also counts for non-residents, if their company has its main office in the Grand-Duchy. Rental cars may also be eligible for a grant.
All details regarding the application can be found on guichet.public.lu.
