BEM calls for support for light electric vehicles and establishes special commission

The Federal Association for eMobility (BEM) has accused the German government of a fixation on passenger vehicles in incentivization and has called for an expansion of the funding framework to include light electric vehicles. By expanding mobility offerings with light electric vehicles, there is an opportunity to improve the environmental balance of transportation in Germany, which continues to emit high levels of CO2. For February 25, 2022, the association has convened a special commission to cross-disciplinarily discuss the opening of financial support for vehicle classes L1e to L7e (LEV). This includes e-scooters, mopeds, golf carts, multi-track three-wheeled and four-wheeled e-vehicles for passenger and goods transport, all of which are approved for speeds over 25 km/h.

"The transport sector in Germany still emits too many climate-damaging gases, vehicle occupancy remains at 1.5 persons in the passenger car sector, and the automotive industry is not meeting the increased demand for e-cars - it is high time to open funding for other vehicles that require less material and space," appealed BEM board member Markus Emmert at the convening of the special commission.

At a press conference with VISION mobility, he also highlighted the importance of the industry as a "job engine" and argued for an adapted level of funding depending on the total costs of the respective vehicle class. Currently, the gap between state-funded N1 and M1 vehicles and LEVs is too small, putting light electric vehicles at a disadvantage. He also called for increasing the permissible speed for light EVs to 59 km/h, a SWAP premium in case of decommissioning a combustion vehicle, and the integration of LEVs into the GHG quota trading system.

Starting from Scratch

Organizationally, it is regrettable that due to the change in government and the change of the acting personnel, one now has to start almost from the beginning again, after having already progressed far in formulating a funding program with the previous government. A funding proposal is now to be developed. Many aspects remain unclear, such as the maximum speed, the possibility of suitable lanes, and safety aspects, Emmert added.