The German cabinet is backing a bill to let municipalities offer drivers of plug-in vehicles incentives such as free parking and the right to use bus lanes. Germany’s goal is to have a million electric vehicles auf der strasse by 2020 (as of the beginning of 2014, there were about 21,000).

“Electric cars will get their own labels so they’re recognizable to everyone,” said Transport Minister Alexander Dobrindt. “Sales will rise amid an increasing selection of electric models and a growing number of e-cars on the roads.”

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Matthias Wissmann, President of the VDA auto industry group, said that the measures could boost electric mobility, but the rules need to take effect quickly and apply nationwide.

German automakers may have come a bit late to the electric party, but they are catching up quickly. 1,163 plug-in vehicles were sold in the country in August. Buyers will have 17 models to choose from by the end of 2014, and another 12 will be going on sale next year, according to VDA.

Source: Automotive News
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