SIXT manager criticizes Latvian electric vehicle subsidy rules

Arnis Jaudzems, a manager for SIXT in the Baltics and Finland, has raised concerns regarding the current structure of electric vehicle (EV) support programs. He argues that existing state subsidies may disadvantage car rental companies that regularly refresh their fleets.

Under the current EKII program, a 3,000 euro subsidy is available for used EVs that meet specific criteria, such as being registered in Latvia for no more than 12 months and having under 150,000 kilometers. Jaudzems notes that this creates an uneven playing field, as EVs sold on the secondary market by rental companies may not qualify for the same support as similar vehicles imported directly from abroad. This discrepancy could lead rental companies to register vehicles in Estonia or Lithuania instead of Latvia to remain competitive.