Greece extends free parking for electric cars until the end of 2026

In 2020, the Greek government introduced an exemption for electric cars from parking fees in public parking lots. The scheme expired at the end of 2024, but was reintroduced after a few weeks' interruption.

The Greek Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport announced that EV drivers can now apply for a new exemption from parking fees in municipal parking lots, which will now remain active until the end of 2026. Privately managed parking spaces are not part of the deal. The exemption from parking fees can be applied for online on the Greek government’s website. The applicant will receive a parking sticker once the application is approved.

The free parking measure applies to fully electric and low-emission vehicles with maximum CO2 emissions of 50 g/km. The regulation is initially valid until 31 December 2026 but could be extended again.

In 2020, the Greek government adopted a major package to promote electric mobility. That included an EV subsidy scheme of up to 15 per cent of the purchase price, the construction of charging stations and free parking for electric cars. However, Greece’s full support for electric mobility was called into question in 2024 when the Ministry of Shipping issued a decree stating that electric cars could only be transported on ferries with a maximum battery charge of 40 per cent – allegedly for safety reasons.

yme.gr (in Greek), ekathimerini.com