Prague – The Senate has expressed opposition to the introduction of state subsidies for electric cars for consumers, citing concerns over budget sustainability. In a discussion regarding the EU industrial action plan for the automotive sector, the upper chamber also echoed Transport Minister Martin Kupka’s warnings against imposing quotas for zero-emission vehicles within corporate fleets.
“We don’t need it; ultimately, we are concerned that the measures would be counterproductive,” Kupka told the senators. He criticized France’s proposed social leasing concept for electric cars, suggesting that it would lead to artificial subsidy programs and potentially raise vehicle prices. The minister emphasized that the adoption of zero-emission vehicles in corporate fleets should be determined by individual companies rather than through European regulatory pressure.
The European Union recently approved modifications to CO2 emission standards for new passenger cars and vans, allowing manufacturers more time to meet targets. Compliance with these targets will now be assessed over a three-year period instead of annually, enabling manufacturers to avoid fines for any missed targets in the current year. Kupka noted that the Czech Republic supports extending this compliance period to five years, a sentiment echoed by the Senate in its resolution.
The upper chamber welcomed the initiative to develop a comprehensive battery production chain within the EU and endorsed the establishment of development and testing centers for autonomous vehicles, calling for expedited implementation of charging infrastructure.
Kupka reiterated the Czech Republic’s desire to lift the ban on the sale of internal combustion engine vehicles post-2035, deeming the regulation unnecessary. Senator Ondřej Lochman from STAN remarked, “A plan has been created that needs to be reassessed. If it is not reassessed, it will weaken our industry.”
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