While electric cars are on the rise, many Luxembourgers are still hesitant to take the plunge and buy an electric car. There are several reasons for this: the specificities of recharging vehicles, the availability of charging stations, the charging time, the fear of breakdowns, etc. But you should know that the government is currently considering this and this could change the minds of those who are undecided. We explain.
As of today, more than 5% of the car fleet is electric or hybrid. Although this may not seem like much, the latest registrations show that the trend is reversing. In 2022, one in four new cars will be equipped with an electric or rechargeable hybrid engine. The government intends to give a boost to this transition. Its objective is to facilitate the accessibility of electric vehicles by promoting the development of infrastructures.
Good to know: Thanks to the extension of the Grand Ducal "Clever fueren" plan until 31 March 2024, a premium of up to €8,000 will be granted for the purchase of a "clean" vehicle. Information and conditions on the government website.
The number of charging points is increasing!
The development of the charging station network is accelerating. Indeed, you will find more and more of them in public and private places: public car parks, motorway service areas, shopping centres, hospitals, petrol stations, town squares and streets... You will therefore have less and less to worry about when you are looking for a charging point.
More than 700 Chargy public charging stations have already been installed throughout the country. From now on, the government is betting on the successive equipment of private companies, with a call for projects (until 31 May 2023) addressed to companies that intend to install rechargeable charging stations. This measure follows a first wave of government aid, thanks to which more than 670 Luxembourg companies have been equipped with charging stations!
More efficient and faster charging stations
The charging time of an electric car is a factor that holds back future buyers. Indeed, a classic Chargy charging station (22 kW) takes between 1.5 and 4 hours to charge, depending on the vehicle model and the state of the battery. Motorists should therefore plan ahead, at least for long journeys.
Since the summer of 2022, Luxembourg has decided to install ultra-fast charging stations on its main roads. These terminals, called "SuperChargy", are much more powerful (160 to 300 kW) and allow the battery to go from 20% to 80% in 15 to 45 minutes! 88 such terminals will soon be added to the classic Chargy terminals in some twenty strategic locations in Luxembourg. However, the disadvantage of these ultra-fast charging stations is the premature wear of the battery.
Recharging your vehicle at home: economical and comfortable!
It must be said that recharging your car at home is comfortable and much less expensive than using public charging stations, as the latter charge a flat fee in addition to the price per kWh. Also, more and more electricity suppliers are offering special "electric vehicle" deals, which will pay off the installation costs (between €1,700 and €2,700) fairly quickly. What's more, if you are lucky enough to have photovoltaic panels, the advantage is even greater! Of course, it is always possible to recharge your car at home using a conventional socket, but these are not always easily accessible. And of course, it is not advisable to use an extension cord because of the risk of overheating. And you should know that the charging time will be much longer!
Good to know: In 2023, the government will grant a reduction in the electricity tariff (maximum €0.50 per kWh) to all users of electric car charging stations. For more information go to www.subvention-electricite.lu.
Running out of battery?
Are you worried about your battery running out on the road? Some car insurances offer a breakdown service for electric vehicles in this specific case.
Foyer Lux-Assurances car insurance policies offer cover for electric and hybrid vehicles, including towing assistance, which ensures that your vehicle is towed to the nearest electric recharging point if your battery is discharged. Charging cables are also insured by default in case of theft.
If you would like to know more, please contact our advisor.
Did you know that Foyer offers a discount on insurance premiums for drivers of electric vehicles? Ask us for an offer!