The global transition towards sustainability and green mobility has found fertile ground in Greece, with electric cars emerging as a growing and dynamic sector of the market. More and more citizens are opting for electric vehicles as they are environmentally friendly, have lower operating costs, and offer comfort and ease of driving as key features. European governments continuously promote electrification as the path to a green future. In Greece, the government has initiated several programs aimed at promoting electrification by offering benefits to consumers who choose to purchase and use electric vehicles. In Kefalonia, this development has begun to take shape, and the increase in the adoption of electrification is evident as charging infrastructure for electric cars multiplies, bolstering the market for such vehicles.
The Evolution of Electrification in Greece
In recent years, the use of electric vehicles has increased significantly. The Greek government has implemented various incentives to promote the adoption of electric vehicles, such as subsidies for purchasing electric vehicles and investments in charging infrastructure. Hence, the "Move Electrically" program was created, allowing citizens to apply for benefits when purchasing electric vehicles. Through this program, citizens can receive a 30% subsidy for purchasing an electric vehicle (up to €8,000), as well as for long-term leases. Additionally, there is an incentive of €1,000 for scrapping older vehicles, and the subsidy can increase based on specific criteria for each individual. Similar opportunities exist for companies. These subsidies continuously boost the usage of electric vehicles, making it easier for citizens to acquire them.
Furthermore, the government has introduced the "Green Taxis" program, offering rewards amounting to 40% of the pre-tax retail price (up to €17,500) for purely electric vehicles. There's also a €5,000 reward for scrapping an old taxi vehicle, along with a €500 subsidy for purchasing a "smart" charger. Various privileges are available for different categories of owners, accessible through the program's official website. This initiative aims to increase the use of zero-emission electric taxis through these financial incentives.
The expansion of charging networks is a crucial factor that enables electric vehicle owners to use their vehicles with confidence and convenience. The installation of more charging points in public spaces, commercial centers, and businesses significantly contributes to the growth of the electric vehicle market. Currently, there are 5,556 charging points throughout the country, a number that continues to increase steadily. Citizens can easily find all charging points using the government's official website (gov.gr) or specialized applications. Many businesses choose to install electric vehicle chargers, which also play a vital role in their revenues. Consequently, charging infrastructure is gradually expanding across all regions of the country, encouraging the use of electric vehicles.
It is evident that increased awareness of environmental issues and climate change has led more people to consider alternative mobility solutions, such as electric vehicles. Through the "Move Electrically" program, anyone interested can learn about the sustainability of electric vehicles. Electric vehicles offer a greener alternative to traditional vehicles due to lower emissions, as they are powered by electricity sourced from clean energy sources. Their use reduces air pollution in urban areas since they do not emit atmospheric pollutants associated with fuel combustion. Additionally, they contribute to limiting global warming caused by the greenhouse effect, while reducing noise pollution in cities as electric vehicles operate almost silently. Thus, acquiring such a vehicle represents a "green" choice, contributing to reducing human impact on the environment and promoting more sustainable transportation.
Moreover, continuous technological advancements in electric vehicles, along with increased battery life and performance, have made electric cars a more attractive option for many consumers. The charging time for electric vehicles is decreasing, making it easier for drivers and reducing waiting times, while the ability to recharge the battery through regenerative braking is another positive aspect. Furthermore, technological progress in electric motors leads to increased performance and efficiency, offering better acceleration and response, as well as greater fuel economy. Additionally, maintenance costs are lower than conventional vehicles. All these factors contribute to the promotion of electrification in Greece.
The "green" technology of electric vehicles and maintenance costs
There is a significant discussion about how environmentally friendly electric vehicles really are and how much "greener" they are compared to conventional ones. This has to do with how electricity is generated in each country. Subsequently, the production of electric energy is based on the cost of fossil fuels used. The energy crisis that occurred in 2022 forced governments to turn to renewable energy sources as the prices of fossil fuels, especially natural gas, skyrocketed. Additionally, with the European reform, an attempt was made to create a zone to protect consumers so that the price of electricity would not depend so much on the prices of fossil fuels.
The cost of charging and maintaining electric vehicles is a significant advantage compared to traditional internal combustion vehicles. Charging an electric car usually costs less than the equivalent amount of fuel required for a gasoline-powered vehicle. Moreover, maintaining an electric car is usually cheaper since there are fewer moving parts such as internal combustion engines or exhaust systems that require constant maintenance and replacement. Additionally, many electric vehicles offer extensive warranties for their batteries, thus reducing the cost of replacement in case of problems. Overall, these economic benefits make electric vehicles an increasingly attractive choice for consumers, encouraging them to adopt electrification.
Electric cars in Kefalonia
Lately, charging facilities have begun to appear in public spaces, hotels, and businesses on the island, making it easier for residents and visitors to incorporate electric vehicles into their lifestyle. As a popular tourist destination, the presence of electric vehicles on the island can be an additional attraction for tourists seeking a more sustainable travel experience.
In our conversations with car rental companies, we saw the issue from different perspectives. One company showed a positive attitude towards the use of electric vehicles and informed us that they would offer electric cars from next year. In contrast, another company expressed a negative opinion about electrification, stating that they do not consider them user-friendly and that their charging method is more environmentally harmful compared to conventional cars, categorizing them as "not green." This company is not willing to add electric cars to its services. So, there are various opinions on electrification, as we have seen.
However, it is a fact that electrification is continuously developing on our island. More and more businesses are installing electric chargers, making it easier to use electric vehicles. It is certainly also a step that has economic benefits as they can profit from charging fees. Additionally, installing a charger contributes to increasing visitors since they are more likely to choose a particular business. The "Charge Everywhere" program offers benefits to businesses participating in installing electric chargers with the aim of creating a public charging network nationwide. The program includes financial incentives, installation, and connection of chargers to the grid. Thus, the installation of charging infrastructure becomes more attractive, and many businesses are moving in this direction. Currently, there are at least 15 electric vehicle charging points in Kefalonia.
The Municipality of Argostoli has developed an Electric Vehicle Charging Plan (EVCP), which has not yet started as of today. The plan, with a budget of €39,680, includes the placement of public recharging points and electric vehicle parking spaces to develop a recharging network. Since the summer of 2022, the municipality has participated in the EVCP program, where an open electronic consultation was held for the participation of all residents or visitors of the municipality. Through the recording of opinions through the questionnaires, the exact placement points of the chargers were selected, but they were not installed. Thus, the plan included 31 public charging points, with 20 located in Argostoli. It also includes one charging point in Agonada, 3 in Livathos, one in Omala, and 6 in Eleios-Pronnoi. The municipality even published photos with the exact placement points of the chargers. The municipality spokesperson for the issue declined to answer our questions. Thus, we are still waiting for the implementation of the plan two years after its development.
It is undeniable that electrification is significantly increasing in all European countries, including Greece. This development is gradually becoming apparent in Kefalonia. With the increase in availability and variety of electric models, consumers in Kefalonia are increasingly choosing this green alternative. The prospects are encouraging as technology continues to improve, and prices become more competitive. With the cooperation of manufacturers, government agencies, and society, we can create an environment that favors the transition to a more sustainable and clean mobility, while also encouraging economic development and improving the quality of life on the island.
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