The Senate opposed the possible introduction of any subsidies for electric cars

Prague – The Senate opposed the possible introduction of any state subsidies for electric cars for end customers, stating that they would be budgetarily unsustainable. During today’s discussion of the EU industrial action plan for the European automotive industry, the upper chamber also warned, in line with the position of Transport Minister Martin Kupka (ODS), against quotas for zero-emission vehicles for corporate fleets.

“We don’t need it; ultimately, we are concerned that the measures would be counterproductive,” Kupka told the senators. The concept of social leasing for electric cars proposed by France, which means subsidy programs, would again be artificial and could increase the prices of these vehicles, he stated. The introduction of zero-emission vehicles into corporate fleets should, according to the minister, remain at the decision and responsibility of individual companies and should not be done under pressure from European regulation.

The European Union already approved changes to CO2 emission standards for new passenger cars and vans at the end of May, which will give car manufacturers more time to meet emission targets. From now on, manufacturers will have to report compliance with targets over a three-year period, rather than annually. According to the European Commission, car manufacturers will thus avoid paying fines for failing to meet emission targets this year. Kupka stated today that the Czech Republic supports extending the period to five years, which the Senate also considers a more suitable solution according to the resolution.

The upper chamber positively responded to the intention to create a complete chain of battery development and production in the European Union and supported the establishment of development and testing centers for autonomous vehicles. It called for the acceleration of the implementation of charging infrastructure.

Kupka reiterated that the Czech Republic wants to abolish the ban on the sale of vehicles with internal combustion engines after 2035. According to him, the regulation is unnecessary. “A plan has been created that needs to be reassessed. If it is not reassessed, it will weaken our industry,” stated Senator STAN Ondřej Lochman. (June 11)