Lower Saxony Premier Advocates Incentives for Pre-Owned Electric Vehicles
Lower Saxony's state government is calling for the introduction of public incentives to support the purchase of used electric vehicles, aiming to make sustainable mobility more accessible and stimulate the local automotive market. The proposal suggests that financial support should focus on nearly new electric cars, particularly those returning from short-term leases with low mileage.
The initiative is intended to address several objectives. Firstly, by making second-hand electric vehicles more affordable, a broader segment of the population could gain access to environmentally friendly transportation, thereby accelerating the shift towards electrified mobility. Secondly, supporting the residual value of electric vehicles on the used market could lower leasing costs for new models, as higher resale values reduce overall depreciation. Thirdly, since the majority of used electric vehicles available in Europe are produced by European manufacturers, such an incentive program would primarily benefit domestic and regional industries.
The current federal government has agreed on a multi-stage support scheme for electric mobility, with the initial phase prioritizing new electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, particularly for households with low to moderate incomes. According to the Ministry of the Environment, planned legislation would extend these incentives to include used electric vehicles in the subsequent stage. This extension is expected to further stimulate market activity and offer cost-effective solutions for consumers seeking to transition away from combustion engine vehicles.
Recent changes in European Union policy have allowed for continued registration of new vehicles with combustion engines beyond 2035, provided they meet strict environmental criteria. Nevertheless, projections indicate that electric vehicles will represent a significant majority of new car sales after this date, with experts estimating the share could surpass 80 percent. Policymakers emphasize that the long-term goal remains a comprehensive move toward electric mobility, while acknowledging the need for flexibility given recent global developments, such as supply chain disruptions and shifts in international trade policy.
Stakeholders in Lower Saxony, a key region for automotive manufacturing in Germany, highlight that a targeted incentive for used electric vehicles would help local producers and suppliers remain competitive. By encouraging the circulation of domestically produced vehicles within the European market, the initiative is also expected to counteract the growing presence of non-European manufacturers, especially from Asia.
As the government continues to shape the details of its support program, industry representatives and policymakers are collaborating to ensure that the measures encourage both environmental progress and economic stability. The proposed incentives for used electric vehicles reflect a broader strategy to balance technological innovation, consumer affordability, and the interests of the European automotive sector.