sueddeutsche.de
German E-Car Owners Can Earn up to €100 Yearly via THG Quota
In Germany, owners of electric vehicles can receive annual payments of up to €100 for participating in the Treibhausgasminderungsquote (THG) program, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector by allowing electric vehicle owners to sell their emission savings to oil companies.
- What is the THG quota, and how does it directly impact German electric vehicle owners?
- The THG quota is a German regulation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the transport sector. Oil companies must reduce their CO2 emissions, and can purchase certificates from third parties who have reduced emissions, including electric vehicle owners. Electric vehicle owners receive payments for their emission savings, with amounts varying by market conditions and ranging up to several hundred euros annually.
- What are the broader implications and future considerations for the THG program and its participants?
- The THG market is characterized by diverse service providers with varying contract terms and payment guarantees. Consumers should compare offers and contract details carefully. Focusing on fixed-rate offers avoids price uncertainty and potential variations over multi-year contracts. Since the payment is only available once yearly per vehicle, sales of the car may affect eligibility for payment claims.
- What are the key steps involved in obtaining the THG payment, and what are the associated timelines and potential pitfalls?
- To receive the payment, electric vehicle owners must register their vehicle with a participating service provider, who then submits the application to the Umweltbundesamt (UBA). The process can take several months, and payment amounts vary. Service providers offer different payment structures (fixed vs. variable) and payment guarantees, impacting both the amount received and the payment timeframe. The deadline for 2025 applications is typically around October 31st.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents the THG quota system in a generally positive light, highlighting the potential financial benefits for electric vehicle owners. While it mentions potential downsides like lengthy processing times and variations in payout amounts, these are presented as minor inconveniences rather than significant drawbacks. The headline, while factual, could be considered slightly sensationalist by implying an easy financial reward for 'doing nothing'.
Language Bias
The language used is mostly neutral and informative. However, phrases like "quasi fürs Nichtstun" (quasi for doing nothing) in the introduction and descriptions of the process as "easy money" lean towards a slightly positive framing, potentially downplaying the effort involved in applying for the quota. The use of words like "lukrativ" (lucrative) when discussing potential additional earnings could also be seen as subtly influencing reader perception.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the benefits for electric vehicle owners and the process of obtaining the THG quota payments. It lacks detailed discussion of the potential environmental impacts or broader societal implications of the program, such as its effectiveness in reducing carbon emissions or potential unintended consequences. The complexities of the carbon market and the role of different stakeholders beyond EV owners and oil companies are largely omitted.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplified view of the process by contrasting the potential ease of obtaining the payment with the bureaucratic complexity of the application process. This might lead readers to overlook other complexities of the THG quota system and the potential for exploitation or manipulation.
Sustainable Development Goals
The article discusses the German THG quota system, designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transport sector. Owners of electric vehicles receive payments for their contribution to emission reduction, incentivizing the adoption of electric vehicles and thus contributing positively to climate action.