The Government will impose a double tax on electric car chargers

The automotive sector is changing thanks to electric cars, a form of mobility that is being strongly encouraged for its positive contribution to protecting the environment. However, during the vote on the General State Budget, the possibility of raising taxes on diesel vehicles was ruled out, and a new proposal was put on the table and ultimately accepted: applying a double tax on electric car chargers, which has sparked considerable controversy.

The fact is that the Government has focused its revenue-raising on this occasion on the electric car sector, a strategy that is being seen as an obstacle to a form of mobility it is actively promoting, and as an inconsistency. At the same time, the vote also approved a 2% increase in the premium for compulsory insurance on our vehicle.

This tax increase will affect all owners of premises or establishments where charging points are located. Both charges will be €13.56, the first being municipal in nature and the second going entirely to the State. This measure has already triggered various protests from owners, who may face higher amounts depending on certain circumstances.

Overall, revenue of at least 230,000 euros is expected, a truly modest sum for the State’s coffers. This figure, which we stress will vary depending on how high the tax is, will be reached through the 8,451 charging points currently in Spain, a number that will grow significantly over time.

And indeed, as the Government intended, the presence of 100,000 charging points is expected within four years across Spanish territory, in an effort to promote and encourage the use of electric cars. However, several companies responsible for managing charging points have stated that these taxes—and their possible increase—make reaching that goal very difficult.

In this way, the promising wave of electric cars is somewhat called into question, and it could even be interpreted as shooting oneself in the foot. Either way, this new sector—though no longer so new—is here to stay, and the relevant taxes and measures will be regulated depending on various factors, although support is expected in line with the intentions not only of Spain but of the whole world to establish this technology in place of traditional combustion engines.