The amount of the subsidy is relatively large, but it is a “free gift” for the average citizen and especially for the low income classes, who even with the subsidy can not buy a car at such a cost, says the Environmental Movement of Cyprus in an announcement.
The government should make all appropriate moves to help non-fossil fuel e-mobility and to develop for the whole population, it is stated and added that the amount of the grant should have income criteria and the amount of the sponsorship should be inversely proportional to income of the applicant.
“The subsidy for the withdrawal of an old vehicle and its replacement with a new electric or hybrid” plug-in “(ie that goes into the socket) is of course a positive action as a matter of principle and the Cyprus Environmental Movement treats it positively. But each action is judged by the results it will bring and for whom. Will pollutants be reduced or will we generate electricity from fossil fuels to drive electric cars? Will the average citizen and every citizen be able to benefit from the plans or only a few? “The details of any plans determine whether they achieve their goal or whether they serve interests.”
Regarding the government plans, the Environmental Movement of Cyprus states that the prices of electric cars in Cyprus range from around € 30,000 to around € 60,000 while there are some much more expensive. There are also very small cars that can not serve the needs of the average Cypriot.
“The government should move to import companies and manufacturers to reduce profit margins and prices for electric vehicles. By selling more cars they will probably make more profit than by selling a few and expensive ones. “Also, given that the cost of cars is prohibitive for the lower income groups even after the sponsorship, the amount of the grant should have income criteria and the amount of the sponsorship should be inversely proportional to the applicant's income,” the statement added. .
The Environmental Movement of Cyprus also states that the lack of infrastructure for recharging and parking of electric vehicles in places that serve the citizen, is also a deterrent to its purchase and appeals to the government “not to put the carriage in front of the horse. “Without charging infrastructure, the use of electric vehicles cannot spread.”
The Environmental Movement of Cyprus “believes that the citizen will find it difficult to buy an electric car, due to autonomy of movement but mainly due to costs and lack of charging infrastructure. “The government should take all appropriate steps to help develop non-fossil fuel e-mobility for the entire population and not just the affluent.”
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