Overview
The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan includes measures targeting the transport sector, such as reducing the number of older light-goods vehicles, decreasing average CO2 emissions for new cars, and promoting the use of monitoring equipment in vehicles.
According to the updated goals set for the transportation sector in its National and Energy Climate Plan 2030, Portugal aims for renewables to account for 29% of final energy consumption in transport by 2030. Additionally, Portugal has set a more ambitious target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% compared to 2005 levels.
The improvement in efficiency and the decarbonisation of the sector will be primarily achieved through fleet renewal, including grants, subsidies and incentives for individuals and businessess to acquire low-carbon and electric vehicles, as well as the expansion of charging infrastructure.
Further measures include tax reductions for vehicles that meet low-carbon, sustainable standards and the implementation of quota systems to raise consumer awareness regarding the share of renewable energy in their final consumption.
Summary of support schemes
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Subsidies and Grants
Nationwide Incentives:
- Grant for the acquisition of low-carbon, electric vehicles;
- Grant for the acquisition of electric light goods vehicles;
Regional Incentives:
- Madeira Region: the Electric Mobility Incentive Programme in the Madeira Autonomous Region (PRIME-RAM) offers financial incentives for acquiring electric vehicles.
- Tax Regulations - reduction of taxes for vehicles with hybrid engines.
- Biofuel Quota - in order to promote transparency, certificates of guarantee of origin are issued to inform consumers about the proportion of renewable energy in their final energy consumption. This measure aims to raise awareness and encourage the use of renewable energy sources.
- Infrastructure Support - financial incentive for the acquisition of charging stations.
Competent authorities
- Ministry of Environment and Energy: Oversees national policies and incentives related to electric mobility.
- Regional Directorate of Energy (DREn): Manages energy-related initiatives in the Azores.
- Regional Directorate of Economy and Land Transport (DRETT): Responsible for economic and transport affairs in Madeira, including the PRIME-RAM program.
- Directorate-General for Customs and Excise: Handles tax regulations and exemptions for vehicle imports and registrations.
- Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT): Regulates transport policies and vehicle certifications.
- Environmental Fund (EF): Provides financial support for environmental initiatives, including EV incentives.
- Energy Services Regulatory Authority (ERSE): Regulates energy services, ensuring compliance and overseeing the energy market.