The government of Andorra recently approved substantial incentives for the purchase of various types of electric vehicles in the country, according to an email sent to CleanTechnica and EV Obsession.
The new incentives will make the purchase of electric vehicles in the principality considerably more economical than previously — with €9,000 in incentives being made available for the purchase of an electric car; and €11,000 being made available for the purchase of an electric pick-up truck.
Notably, used electric vehicles (EVs) manufactured in and after 2013 are apparently eligible for incentives as well. Not just new EVs.
In addition to those incentives, the local electric utility, FEDA, will be creating a network of fast and “slow” electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Andorra. (Further details on that will be forthcoming as development moves along).
The email provides a bit more:
There is a budget of €3,000,000 for 3 years giving €1,000,000 each year. Our aim is to reach international top 3 position in terms of market share of EV & PHEV considering our sales are around 2,500 vehicles per year. We have already registered 80 EV & PHEV out of 1000 vehicles sold in our country. This means we currently have a 8% market share.
For those unfamiliar with the Principality of Andorra: Andorra, also referred to as the Principality of the Valleys of Andorra, is a micro-state located in the eastern Pyrenees mountains — bordered by both Spain and France. It was originally created by charter back in 988 AD, with the current principality being formed in 1278. It’s technically a monarchy — one ruled by two “co-princes,” the President of France and the Spanish/Roman Catholic Bishop of Urgell.
Andorra only has a population of around 85,000 people, and a land area of around 181 square miles (468 km2). The capital, Andorra la Vella, is actually the highest capital city in the whole of Europe — sitting roughly 3,356 feet (1023 meters) above sea level.
While Spanish, French, and Portuguese are all spoken, the official language is actually Catalan. As one would probably guess, tourism is a major part of the Andorran economy.