The European Commission (EC) approved €70 million for a public support scheme for electric buses and charging infrastructure in Germany, the EC announced on Monday.
The EC found German plans to support the purchase of electric buses and related recharging infrastructure by public transport operators to be in line with EU state aid rules.
'The measure contributes to reducing CO2 emissions while limiting distortions of competition,' the EC statement read, adding that the scheme set up by Germany would support public transport operators until the end of 2021.
'This scheme is another positive example of how to fight global warming,' Commissioner Margrethe Vestager, in charge of competition policy, was quoted as saying.
'In line with the EU environmental goals, it will give public transport operators an incentive to invest in low or zero emissions vehicles with the clear objective of reducing CO2 emissions and improving air quality,' she continued.
The EC noted that this public scheme would incentivize bus operators to invest in these types of vehicles and the corresponding charging infrastructure.
The measure is expected to increase the number of electric buses in Germany and thereby reduce CO2 and air pollutant emissions, in particular in cities, the EC added.
By Ebru Sengul
Anadolu Agency
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