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Factsheet for measure EE-2023-9/3453 – measures in Estonia

Financial support for purchasing zero-emission vehicles

Nullheitega sõidukite ostutoetus

Country Estonia , applies nationwide
Time period Temporary, 27 February 2023 – 01 August 2033
Context Green Transition
Type Other initiatives or policies
Category Promoting the economic, labour market and social recovery into a green future
– Sustainable mobility
Author Ingel Kadarik (Praxis Center for Policy Studies) and Eurofound
Measure added 10 January 2024 (updated 08 January 2025)

Background information

The aim of the financial support measure is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Estonia by means of a more extensive introduction of zero-emission vehicles and to promote the use of zero-emission vehicles.

The measure is financed from Emissions Trading System and implemented by the Ministry of Climate (previously Ministry of the Environment). The grant applications are processed and payments are made by Center for Environmental Investments (Keskkonnainvesteeringute keskus KIK).

Content of measure

The measure provides financial support for the purchase of new fully electric (including hydrogen fuel cell) passenger cars, vans (category M1 and N1) and cargo bikes. Both individuals and companies can apply. Applications have to be submitted within two months of taking possession of the vehicle. In the case of a car, application can be made after purchase and registration at the Estonian Transport Administration and in the case of a cargo bike, applications can be made after purchase and delivery.

The total budget for the measure broken down by categories is the following:

  • €3,875,000 for M1 and N1 category vehicles for natural persons;
  • €3,875,000 for M1 and N1 category vehicles of juridical persons;
  • €375,000 for cargo bikes for natural persons.
  • €375,000 for cargo bikes for juridical persons.

The amount per application is up to €4,000 for an electric car and up to 50% (but no more than €1,000) of the price of an electric cargo bike. The application rounds last until the budget is finished, or August 2033 the latest.

Use of measure

The uptake as of December 2nd 2024 is the following:

  • For natural persons: 751 vehicles (€3,743,590) and 121 electric cargo bikes (€147,452).
  • For juridical persons: 650 vehicles (€2,590,050) and 112 electric cargo bikes (€110,227).

Target groups

Workers Businesses Citizens
Does not apply to workers Applies to all businesses Applies to all citizens

Actors and funding

Actors Funding
National government
European Funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

Trade unions Employers' organisations
Role No involvement as case not in social partner domain No involvement as case not in social partner domain
Form Not applicable Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

  • No involvement
  • Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

No involvement.

Views and reactions

No views identified.

Sources

  • 06 February 2023: Nullheitega sõidukite ostutoetuse andmise tingimused ja kord (www.riigiteataja.ee)
  • 03 January 2024: Nullheitega sõidukite ostutoetus (kik.ee)
  • 02 December 2024: Nullheitega sõidukite ostutoetus (kik.ee)

Citation

Eurofound (2024), Financial support for purchasing zero-emission vehicles , measure EE-2023-9/3453 (measures in Estonia), EU PolicyWatch, Dublin, https://static.eurofound.europa.eu/covid19db/cases/EE-2023-9_3453.html

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Disclaimer: This information has not been subject to the full Eurofound evaluation, editorial and publication process.