The Swedish government has recently announced new measures aimed at accelerating the transition to electric vehicles. The decision involves the introduction of a temporary subsidy for light electric trucks and an increased level of support for small and medium-sized companies investing in emission-free HGVs.
Under the new initiative, individuals purchasing light electric trucks can receive a subsidy of up to SEK 50,000 (approx 4,400 euros) per truck. This support will gradually decrease, with a phased-out completion scheduled by the end of 2025.
Special attention is also given to emission-free HGVs, which will benefit from both varied support levels and an increased maximum ceiling amount, set at 25 per cent of the purchase price.
Climate and Environment Minister Romina Pourmokhtari emphasized the significance of these subsidies in advancing the government’s efforts to create favourable conditions for the electrification of the transport sector in a press release. The objective is to encourage more people to replace traditional fossil fuel-powered lorries with electric alternatives, aligning with Sweden’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2045 and meeting EU obligations.
Moreover, the government has decided to align the climate premium with the EU’s updated state aid rules implemented in the previous year.
Additionally, the new EU regulation supporting matters of minor importance, effective from the start of the year, ensures that vehicle gas trucks can also receive support.
Minister Romina Pourmokhtari highlighted that by expanding the so-called Climate Premium plan to include light electric vehicles and adjusting support amounts for heavy vehicles, the government aims to create better conditions for the overall conversion and electrification of the vehicle fleet. For heavy vehicles facing challenges in transitioning to electric drive, the use of fossil-free fuels like biogas is recognized as a crucial component.
These changes to the Climate Premium are set to come into effect on February 13, 2024.