You can purchase a new Dacia electric vehicle for only $4,600 in Italy, but it's not suitable for everyone | Carscoops

      Italy has introduced a new EV scrappage scheme that significantly reduces prices, aiming to increase electric vehicle sales within the country.

      The incentive allows eligible buyers to save up to €11,000. However, the scrappage bonus is specifically for low-income families living in urban areas.

      The price of the Dacia Spring has been reduced to €3,900, while the Leapmotor T03 is now available for €4,900.

      As new car prices continue to rise and become unaffordable for many households, Italy's scrappage scheme offers a surprisingly generous opportunity to acquire some EVs at very low prices. Under this initiative, low-income individuals trading in a vehicle registered prior to 2015 can purchase a brand-new Dacia Spring for as little as €3,900 (approximately $4,600 based on current exchange rates).

      This €597 million ($700 million) program aims to boost electric car sales to a target of at least 39,000 units by June 2026. Currently, fully electric vehicles account for only 5.2% of the market in Italy, significantly lower than the European Union’s average of 15.8%.

      To receive the full €11,000 ($12,900) discount, potential buyers must scrap a Euro 5 (or older) vehicle, reside in an urban area with a population exceeding 50,000, and have a family income below €30,000 ($35,200). Families earning up to €40,000 ($46,900) can obtain a reduced bonus of €9,000 ($10,600). Small businesses will also benefit from subsidies covering 30% of the cost of an EV, capped at €20,000 ($23,500) per vehicle.

      Affordable Pricing

      Dacia has lowered the starting price of the Spring EV in Italy from €17,900 ($21,000) to €14,900 ($17,500). With the full scrappage bonus, the price drops to an eye-catching €3,900 ($4,600). This starting price applies to the Essential Electric 45 trim, which includes a 44 hp (33 kW / 45 PS) motor and a 26.8 kWh battery, providing a range of 225 km (140 miles).

      Stellantis has reduced the Leapmotor T03 price from €18,900 ($22,200) to €15,900 ($18,700), allowing customers to buy it for €4,900 ($5,800) through the same scheme. According to Autonews, the Chinese manufacturer asserts that this drastically reduced price is “less than what you paid for your bicycle.”

      Other electric vehicles from various manufacturers are also part of the scheme. Fiat offers the 500e starting at €9,950 ($11,700) and the electric Grande Panda from €11,950 ($14,000). The related Citroen e-C3 starts at €12,900 ($15,100), while the larger e-C3 Aircross SUV is now available from a discounted price of €15,790 ($18,500).

      Although these prices are certainly appealing, the strict eligibility criteria may limit the benefits to a small segment of the population. The pressing question remains whether this subsidy will truly transform Italy’s automotive market or merely provide a temporary boost for those who qualify.