A total of €1.8 million has been allocated by government to cover various schemes aimed at incentivising drivers to opt for less polluting cars, Transport Minister Ian Borg said at a press conference this morning.

Borg called the press conference in order to provide further information on several schemes announced during last October's budget. Such schemes came into effect as of 1 January, while the conference took place next to an electric vehicle charging point in Ta' Xbiex.

Schemes relating to electric vehicles are covered by a €500,000 government funding allocation.

Applicants for the scheme are required to scrap their vehicle and could receive up to €7,000 should they replace with an electric vehicle.

Commercial vehicle companies can be given up to €200,000 should they scrap their fleet and convert to electric vehicles. In 2017, 73 people registered for this scheme while government hopes that uptake will increase through a campaign to spread information on what is available.

A total of €50,000 has been allocated for those interested in changing their vehicle's fuel intake into less polluting options such as autogas or LPG. Drivers could benefit up to €200 per car.

"€100,000 has been allocated to those registering a taxi or chauffeur-driven vehicle which is wheelchair-accessible while scrapping an old vehicle. The maximum benefit per person reaches €10,000."

Those purchasing new Pedelecs, electric motorcycles, electric mopeds, electric tricycles or electric quadbikes could benefit up to €400 in government subsidies with €100,000 in total being allocated for the scheme.

In addition, a total of €80,000 has been allocated for new car importers who wish to equip their garages to be able to service electric vehicles and train their employees to use new equipment.

Garage owners can benefit from up to €20,000 in subsidies should they make the change.

Lastly, government has scrapped registration fees or road licence fees for five years for those purchasing new or used electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids as well as electric motorcycles and mopeds, among others.