The number of electric cars in Latvia is slowly increasing, but you can still often hear discussions about how advantageous or disadvantageous an electric car is. What are the incentives available and does choosing a more environmentally friendly car pay off in the long run? The start-up VOOL sought an answer to these questions.
According to statistical data, 6,576 electric cars were registered in Latvia until January 1. Almost half of them are in Riga. In addition, a large part of the remaining registered cars are located in the vicinity of Riga, in the nearest counties and cities – Jelgava, Jūrmala, Ķekava, Ropaž and Mārupe counties. One of the incentives to switch to an electric car can be directly available benefits.
Free parking spaces and movement on the public transport lane
In order to encourage the transition to electric cars, several municipalities provide them with various incentives, such as free parking spaces. Owners of electric cars can use parking spaces managed by the municipality in Liepāja and parking spaces managed by “Rīgas satiksme” in Riga for free. On the other hand, in Jūrmala, electric cars are exempted from the entry fee in the administrative territory of the city. The possibility to move along the public transport lane is also a significant benefit. This will help you save time on the road and avoid traffic jams.
Support from the state and lower taxes
In addition to the benefits provided by municipalities, other support mechanisms are also available to electric car owners. There is no operating tax to be paid for electric cars, and their first registration is free. Also, registration for the first time receiving special purpose number plates and the first set of number plates is free.
In addition, state support for the purchase of an electric car is also available. When choosing to buy a new electric car, the amount of state funding will be 4,500 euros, while choosing a used electric car or a new externally rechargeable hybrid car – 2,250 euros. Support for writing off the old car is also available – 1,000 euros.
Pays off in the long run
While these benefits are nice and practical bonuses, it’s also important that these cars pay for themselves in the long run. Although an electric car costs more initially, charging and using it later is more profitable, as the expenses for electricity and charging the car will be lower. Both public charging stations and options to install one in your home are available. In addition, there are charging devices on the market that will ensure that the car is charged when electricity prices are at their lowest. This is also offered by the startup VOOL.
A big difference can also be seen in the costs of regular car maintenance. In an electric car, it is not necessary to change oil, filters or other parts that an internal combustion engine has, but an electric car engine does not, therefore the amount that needs to be invested in car repairs also decreases.
Electric car charging Photo: LETA
2024-02-03 14:29:27
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