Climate and Energy Ministry plans to expand support program for residents buying electric and hybrid cars

RIGA - The Climate and Energy Ministry is planning to expand its support program for residents purchasing electric and hybrid automobiles, as the ministry's representatives informed LETA.

According to the Climate and Energy Ministry, changes to the support program are to be approved in the third quarter of 2024, while public discussions about the program will continue until April 4.

Climate and Energy Minister Kaspars Melnis (Greens/Farmers) says that the changes to the support program stipulate additional support for large families planning to purchase seven-seater electric automobiles or plug-in hybrids. The support will range from EUR 9,000 for new vehicles to EUR 4,500 for preowned cars.

The ministry is also planning to increase support from for scrapping old vehicles with gasoline, diesel or gas engines, from EUR 1,000 to EUR 2,000. This will apply to all residents who intend to buy an electric or hybrid vehicle and decide to scrap their current automobiles.

The support program commenced in March 2022. To date, EUR 6.3 million has been provided under the program to residents who have purchased more than 1,550 electric and hybrid cars.