Romania's Government will introduce a financial incentive package to encourage purchases of electric cars through an "ecologic bonus" for consumers and through tax deductions or state aid for producers.  These facilities will be included in  a government strategy, people close to the matter told Mediafax newswire.

The Government's intention is to develop and implement financial incentives for the purchase of electric vehicles, to encourage and create the recharging infrastructure required in the use of electric vehicles (bonuses or tax deductions), as well as increasing the production of electric vehicles and components in Romania (through state aid or de minimis aid schemes). The Government will also take steps to attract foreign investments in the production of electric cars and vehicles.

The National Platform for the Electric Vehicle (PNVE), a body under the authority of the Government and backed by industry and university officials, will be created to implement the strategy. According to the Government, the advantages of electric vehicles include efficiency, low pollution and superior performance. The document also notes their drawbacks: long recharge times, battery costs, low range, as well as size and weight. Overall, these cars seem to be the most promising option for urban use, as their low range can be offset by the possibilities of better recharge infrastructure in cities. Since electric cars produce less pollution and noise, they bring higher social benefit, says the document.

Mediafax