Toll-free driving for electric cars in Catalonia

From September 15, all electric motor vehicles in Catalonia (over 3,100) will be exempt from paying any toll fees on motorways owned by the Catalan government (1). This will apply to the C-16, including the tunnels of Vallvidrera; the C-32, both the Maresme and Garraf segments; and the C-33’s toll in Mollet. The goal is to encourage drivers to choose clean vehicles that do not pollute.

Motorists who wish to benefit from the scheme will need to register on EcoviaT’s website, where they will need to enter their vehicle’s details in order to join the programme. As is the case now, they will need to purchase a ViaT device --at a price of €12-- and they will be sent a sticker enabling them to use the VAO (high occupancy lane, in Catalan) and the designated parking spaces for electric cars in cities.

Since 2011, the Catalan authorities have offered a number of discounts which, depending on each particular toll, offer 30 per cent off for low-emission motor vehicles doing over 16 journeys, and 40 per cent off for any vehicles with three or more occupants. These motor vehicles will not benefit from toll-free driving, buy will get to keep the current discounts.

Because of the premium they carry, electric cars have been slow to gain traction with drivers.

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(1) N.T. Some toll roads in Catalonia are operated by private companies while others are government-run.