Overview
Malta’s strategy to reach its 15% renewable energy in transport (RES-T) target by 2030 is built on two key pillars:
- A mandatory biofuel substitution obligation on fuel suppliers, ensuring a consistent share of biofuels in conventional fuel blends;
- A national-scale effort to accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs), supported by grants, tax exemptions, free public transport, and improved charging infrastructure.
As of 2022, Malta introduced free public transport for all residents with a Tallinja Card, complementing its broader goals of reducing transport emissions, promoting modal shift, and decreasing private car dependence. The updated National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP) and the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) reinforce this transition, setting a goal of 65,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030.
Summary of support schemes
- Biofuel Quota Obligation - Importers and wholesalers of fossil fuels are legally required to blend an increasing proportion of biofuels with petrol and diesel. This obligation remains the core compliance mechanism for Malta's RES-T contribution. Oversight is provided by the Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS).
- EV Grant Schemes (2024–2025) - The government allocated €34 million in 2025 to incentivise the adoption of new electric vehicles, including:
- Up to €11,000 for new EVs when combined with scrappage schemes;
- Grants for electric motorcycles, pedelecs, and vans;
- Financial aid for scrapping old ICE vehicles and replacing them with electric alternatives.
- Tax Incentives for EVs - EVs and plug-in hybrids (with >50 km electric range) benefit from:
- Full exemption from registration tax;
- Five-year exemption from annual road licence fees;
- Preferential VAT rates (where applicable).
- Residential Charging Support - Pilot schemes are currently in place to co-finance home-based and street-level EV chargers, especially in urban and apartment-based households. These pilots are part of the national charging infrastructure roadmap.
- Free Public Transport (Since Oct 2022) - Malta was among the first EU Member States to introduce nationwide free public transport for residents, promoting public transit use and reducing car dependency.
- Infrastructure & Modal Shift Initiatives - Active investments are being made in:
- EV charging networks in urban areas;
- Cycling infrastructure and pedestrianisation;
- Incentives for e-mobility sharing schemes and last-mile connectivity.
Competent authorities
- Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Capital Projects - Responsible for national transport policy and infrastructure planning.
- Transport Malta - Administers grant schemes, registration procedures, vehicle incentives, and mobility programmes.
- Regulator for Energy and Water Services (REWS) - Supervises compliance with the national biofuel substitution obligation.
- Enemalta plc - Manages electrical grid infrastructure and supports the integration of EV charging stations across the country.