Spain’s government has launched EUR590 million in subsidies and tax breaks aimed at boosting the use of electric cars in the country.
The scheme comprises 15 measures to boost demand, invest in research and develop recharging infrastructure.
The government’s plan includes a subsidy for the purchase price of an electric car amounting up to a EUR 6,000.
The state hopes the initiative will translate into 20,000 sales next year and 50,000 in 2012, most of which will go to public and corporate fleets.
Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero said that it expects some 250,000 electric cars will be in circulation in Spain by 2014 and up to a million when hybrid vehicles are included.
“The electric car can contribute to reduce the cost of power as it will increase the use of generation and distribution infrastructure,” Zapatero said.
Renault agreed last year to make the Spain’s first electrical car in 2011 at its Valladolid plant.
The French carmaker has also signed electric car partnerships with several Spain regions including Andalusia and Catalonia, as well as with renewable energy specialist Acciona.
