Announcement of Continued Subsidies for Electric Vehicle Purchases in Serbia
The Serbian government, based on the proposal from the Ministry of Environmental Protection, will adopt a regulation by the end of January to continue subsidizing the purchase of electric vehicles. The subsidy budget will amount to 170 million dinars.
Citizens will be able to start submitting applications in early February, with submissions open until October 31, according to Sandra Dokić, State Secretary of the Ministry of Environmental Protection, in a statement for RTS. She noted that the Ministry has been subsidizing electric vehicle purchases for six years.
Once the regulation is adopted, a form will be available on the Ministry's website containing all the details about the required documentation, depending on whether the applicant is an individual or a legal entity.
Application Process and Requirements
Applicants must submit appropriate documentation, including proof of settled tax obligations, property tax, and confirmation of no criminal convictions.
Over 2,800 vehicles have been subsidized so far, with the Ministry ensuring the administrative process complies with budget spending regulations. Dokić emphasized the importance of thorough documentation.
A pre-agreement will be finalized before the subsidy decision is issued. Electric vehicles can be purchased through leasing or self-financing, and after the decision, the necessary documents will be sent to the leasing provider or car dealer, leading to the signing of a contract.
Subsidy Details
- Maximum subsidy: €5,000 per vehicle.
- Eligible vehicles: Passenger cars with up to nine seats or a maximum cargo capacity of 3.5 tons.
- Mopeds, motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles are also eligible for subsidies ranging from €250 to €500, depending on the model.
Budget Adjustments
Last year, the Ministry provided additional funding for all applications submitted by October 31, exceeding the allocated budget of 170 million dinars. In total, 205 million dinars were disbursed.
Focus on Electric Vehicles
The Serbian government no longer subsidizes the purchase of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, following a decision from the Ministry of Environmental Protection. This aligns with their focus on vehicles that have the most significant positive impact on air quality.
When subsidies began in 2020, infrastructure for electric vehicles was underdeveloped. However, over the past 4-5 years, especially last year, infrastructure has expanded significantly, with charging stations now widely available at shopping centers, highways, and gas stations.
Future Plans and Concerns
Dokić also mentioned aligning with the upcoming Panda initiative, where subsidies will be offered for electric vehicles.
Unaddressed in the announcement was the timeline for implementing a ban on importing vehicles with
Euro 3 and Euro 4 engines, a measure promised at the beginning of last year, as well as plans to subsidize the replacement of old vehicles with more eco-friendly ones.