Germany's Merz government extends electric‑car privileges

On 29 July the German federal cabinet under Chancellor Friedrich Merz approved a revision of the Elektromobilitätsgesetz (EmoG) that extends municipal privileges for electric vehicles until 2035. The amendment preserves four types of benefits that municipalities may grant: preferential parking near charging stations, reduced or free parking fees (including resident‑permit waivers), the right to use bus lanes, and access to certain environmental zones. It also clarifies that charging at a station counts as a privilege even without an E‑plate. Parliamentary State Secretary Ulrich Lange said, “Das Elektromobilitätsgesetz hat sich bewährt.” The cabinet decision is not yet law but signals the government’s intent to keep and expand incentives for electric‑car adoption.

The changes aim to make electric vehicles more attractive by reducing emissions and easing everyday use, while giving local authorities flexibility in how they apply the benefits.