Swedes want the climate bonus for electric cars back

A narrow majority of Swedes want the climate bonus for electric cars to be reinstated. But support for the government's decision to scrap the bonus has increased, our Sifo survey shows. This comes at a time when electric car sales are expected to fall for the first time this year.

In November 2022, the government abolished the climate bonus of up to SEK 70,000 when buying a new electric car. Two months later, in January 2023, we conducted a survey that showed that more people were against the decision than supported it. 45 percent thought it was wrong, while 23 percent thought it was right.

Now, a year later, a new survey has been conducted. Today, 53 percent are in favor of reintroducing the bonus, and 47 percent are against it. So there is still a preponderance of those who want the bonus back, but things have evened out considerably. At the same time, new car sales are sluggish, and the forecasts* for the future do not look good either.

– When we did this survey a year ago, we also had a don't know option. These votes seem to have mainly gone to the group that does not wish to see a reintroduction, says Daniel Odsberg, Sales Manager Kvdbil , and continues:

– It may seem a bit surprising given the development of the economy and the slowdown we are seeing in electric car sales. At the same time, it is known that many have considered that the bonus has benefited certain groups.

Support for the climate bonus is stronger among those who do not own a car. Among these, 64 percent are in favor of reintroducing it, compared to 51 percent among car owners. There are also geographical differences, with 57 percent in the three metropolitan regions of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö being positive, compared to 51 percent in the rest of the country.

Should also apply to used electric cars

The previous bonus was limited to new electric cars, but Swedes also want used electric cars to be included. 55 percent believe this, which is exactly the same proportion as for new electric cars.

– I think it shows that many people have a desire to switch to an electric car, but that finances can sometimes be an obstacle to investing in a brand new one. A used electric car is more within reach, especially if there is some form of support, says Daniel Odsberg, Sales Manager Kvdbil .

Approximately one in three people believe that the bonus should also apply to new and used plug-in hybrids. However, support is significantly weaker for giving a bonus to those who buy a so-called mild hybrid, which is primarily powered by a combustion engine, or a gas car. Only between 8–10 percent think this.

* According to the industry organization Mobility Sweden, 50,000 fewer new cars are expected to be registered in 2024, and the share of electric cars is expected to decrease from 39 to 35 percent.

Should the climate bonus be reintroduced to stimulate the sale of electric cars?

Information: In November 2022, the climate bonus for electric cars, which previously allowed a maximum discount of SEK 70,000 when purchasing a new electric car, was abolished. In 2023, there was a sharp decrease in electric car orders, which was further driven by a worsening economic situation.

What types of cars should be covered by the bonus?

About the survey

The survey was conducted in Kantar Media's web panel (Sifopanelen) during the period 4–8 January 2024. A total of 1316 people aged 18–79 were interviewed, of which 1055 had access to a car. The web panel is nationally representative and recruited based on random selection. There is no self-recruitment in Kantar Media's web panel (Sifopanelen).