Government incentives for purchasing electric vehicles are returning, this time with a stronger focus on lower-income households and small businesses. Funded through the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), the program offers up to €11,000 for individuals buying a zero-emission car to replace an older combustion model, and up to €20,000 for microbusinesses purchasing commercial electric vehicles.
The scheme, approved in May with a revision of the NRRP, has now become operational following the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security’s adoption of the implementing decree. It targets residents and microbusinesses based in functional urban areas—cities with over 50,000 inhabitants and their surrounding commuting zones.
Funding and Environmental Goals
A total of €597 million has been allocated to the program. These funds, originally set aside for expanding the electric charging network, will instead be used to encourage the renewal of the national vehicle fleet with zero-emission models. The aim is to reduce urban air pollution and improve overall air quality in the most densely populated and traffic-heavy areas.
To qualify, applicants must scrap a combustion engine vehicle rated up to Euro 5. The Ministry will publish the official opening date for applications on its website, along with detailed operational guidelines.
Support Tailored to Income Levels and Business Needs
According to Minister Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, the new incentives are designed to “accelerate the transition in both private and commercial mobility, providing concrete support to citizens and small businesses in urban areas most exposed to pollution.”
The program’s structure reflects a socially sustainable approach:
- Individuals with an ISEE income of €30,000 or less can receive up to €11,000 for an electric car.
- Individuals with an ISEE between €30,000 and €40,000 can receive up to €9,000.
- Micro-enterprises purchasing commercial electric vehicles (categories 1 and 2) can receive up to €20,000 per vehicle, capped at 30% of the purchase price and in compliance with EU “de minimis” rules.
How the Incentives Will Be Distributed
Applications will be managed through a dedicated online platform developed by Sogei, enabling beneficiary registration, seller participation, and bonus generation. The contribution will be applied directly as a discount at the point of purchase, ensuring immediate financial relief for buyers.
With this initiative, the government hopes to make electric mobility more accessible, particularly for those with lower incomes, while pushing forward on climate goals and cleaner cities.
