Out of the 19 applications received from large families, nine have been approved so far, while ten are currently under review.
Previously, large families primarily opted for pre-owned five-seater electric cars. Among the approved applications, seven families chose this option, while two families opted for a new electric car. One application is for the purchase of a new seven-seater car.
The Minister of Climate and Energy, Kaspars Melnis (ZZS), notes that the changes to the support program, based on the results of the 2023 survey, have been met with a positive response from large families, with one in five applications coming from Latvian Honor families. This allows these families to afford climate-friendly cars at more affordable daily running costs.
The KEM support program for the purchase of electric cars and externally charged hybrid cars is now effective from July 20th. The program offers increased support for the purchase of both used and new electric cars, as well as environmentally friendly cars for large families.
When developing the changes, greater emphasis was placed on strengthening support for large families. The support for the purchase of a five-seater electric car or a new externally chargeable hybrid car is 6,750 euros, while for a used five-seater electric car, it is 5,000 euros. For a seven-seater car, the support is higher, taking into account the higher market price of such vehicles. The support for a new seven-seater electric car and a new hybrid car with an external charger is 9,000 euros, and for a seven-seater used electric car – 6,750 euros.
The ministry also notes that the state support for a used electric car is 3,350 euros, and for a new externally charged hybrid car – 4,500 euros. Additionally, by surrendering an old vehicle powered by gasoline, diesel fuel, or gas and transferring it to a processing company, residents can receive a 2,000 euro “bonus.” This bonus is available to all residents, including large families planning to purchase an environmentally friendly car.
KEM recommends surrendering an internal combustion engine car once the electric car has been delivered and registered in Latvia. Upon surrendering the old internal combustion engine car, residents will receive a vehicle liquidation certificate, which can be submitted to the car dealer along with the application for support. The entire process, from document review to the availability of the electric car, typically takes about a week.
The EKII support program, which allows for the auction of emission allowances, has been available since March 2022. In just over two years, it has funded the purchase (co-financing) of 1,897 electric cars and hybrid cars in Latvia, with a total financial support of 7.5 million euros. These vehicles represent 24.3% of all electric cars in Latvia.