In a major push towards greener transport, the government on Wednesday approved grants for 2,591 applicants seeking to purchase electric and low-emission vehicles or scrap older, polluting cars. The initiative, part of the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, saw the ministry of transport allocate millions in funding during 2024.

Transport Minister Alexis Vafeades confirmed the figures in response to a parliamentary inquiry by Akel MP Valentinos Fakontis. He revealed that 281 applications had been rejected for failing to meet eligibility criteria.

The government scheme, designed to encourage the adoption of cleaner vehicles, required applicants to place their orders within 14 days of submitting a request. Successful candidates received financial aid to buy new electric or low-emission vehicles, while those scrapping outdated cars were also compensated.

In total, €10 million was distributed for new vehicle purchases, with an additional €3 million allocated for vehicle scrappage payments. These funds covered approved applications from both 2023 and 2024, with some payments scheduled for disbursement in 2025 due to administrative processing.

Since its inception, the grant scheme has been launched in three phases: December 2021, December 2022, and February 2024. Applications are submitted online and assessed by a three-member evaluation committee within the Road Transport Department.

Vafeades highlighted that incomplete applications lacking required documentation were deemed invalid. Moreover, grant payments were only finalised after the successful registration of the new vehicle.

The total budget for the scheme is €53 million, including an €8 million top-up from the EU’s REPowerEU initiative. Of this, €38 million is earmarked for electric vehicle purchases and €15 million for scrappage incentives.