It’s time to say goodbye to polluting vehicles and to switch to more sustainable means of travel, and Transport Malta is ready to help us do just that!

If you’d like to start travelling more sustainably, there are several ways of doing so. For one, as of this year, local public transport is free of charge. However, if travelling by bus isn’t an option, why not go for an electric car or motorbike? If you’ve been considering changing your car, or buying your first vehicle, now’s the time to go electric, as you can receive a substantial grant to support your initiative towards a cleaner environment. An individual or NGO could receive up to €6,000 for any vehicle with up to 9 seats, whilst the grant allocation for small motorcycles, mopeds, or quads is up to €2,000. Transport Malta has indeed channelled €15 million towards this scheme alone. What’s more, should you have a vehicle that’s older than 10 years and that you’d like to scrap, you are entitled to an additional grant.

In recent weeks Transport Malta launched a total of nine schemes which together amount to €26 million to promote cleaner, smarter and sustainable transport – the largest-ever package of financial incentives in the transport sector, in the form of grants. The incentives cover:

• Purchase of new and used plug-in electric vehicles
• Purchase of new Category L vehicles running on petrol including bicycles and new petrol motorcycles
• Retrofitting of Dual Fuel Systems on heavy-duty vehicles with diesel engines and a scheme to incentivise more auto-gas powered vehicles
• Purchase of wheelchair accessible vehicles to be used for the transport of passengers for hire or reward
• Installation of approved photovoltaic panels on passenger transport vehicles, such as coaches
• Retrofitting of vehicles with the DPF and SCR technology
• Re-powering of vehicles and motorcycles with an Electric Drive Train

But why should you go electric?

Save on fuel costs

Fuel is more expensive than electricity, so the running costs of electric vehicles are rather cheap, while charging them is straightforward and very easy. Most drivers charge their electric vehicles overnight at home, and the government is investing heavily to increase the number of charging points. Indeed, it’s becoming easier than ever to charge your vehicle, wherever you are.

Lower maintenance costs

Without the need for oil changes, new spark plugs or fuel filters, and with overall fewer moving parts, maintenance costs for electric vehicles are a lot lower. Furthermore, regenerative braking extends the lifespan of brake pads by using the electric motor to decelerate the vehicle.

More fun with higher performance

Whilst not all electric vehicles are Teslas or F1 cars, their overall performance is incredible. Not only are they lighter, but they also have enviable performance and acceleration. These vehicles produce peak torque from a standstill position without the build-up that fuel-based engines require to reach maximum power. Also, since, in most cases, the battery pack is placed in the centre of the car, the car’s centre of gravity is lowered, giving it more stability and better handling.

Environmental and health benefits

An electric car produces zero tailpipe emissions, dramatically lowering smog and greenhouse gas emissions, even when considering the electricity generation it requires to function. This not only helps reduce the effects of global warming, and save our planet, but cleaner air means better health, for us humans. Cleaner air results in a reduction of respiratory conditions. Another welcome benefit is a reduction in noise pollution since electric cars emit very low sounds. So all in all, investing in an electric car is investing in your and your family’s future.

The schemes that became available from 1st January 2023 are not only open to individuals. Voluntary organisations and businesses can also apply for grants for passenger cars, vans, cargo vehicles, minibuses, coaches, quadricycles, motorcycles, and pedelecs. There are different application forms to be filled in and several terms and conditions apply. For VOs in particular, State Aid and De Minimis regulations apply. More information is available on www.transport.gov.mt.