The presentation of the Electric Vehicle Boost Plan 2025-2030 of the Government of Catalonia.

This plan aims to restrict the circulation of all combustion motorcycles before 2030.

This measure could affect nearly 1.2 million users in Catalonia.

This measure could affect nearly 1.2 million users in Catalonia.

Barcelona, February 13, 2025 – Last Monday, the President of the Government of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, presented the Electric Vehicle Boost Plan 2025-2030 with an investment of 1.4 billion euros.

The plan is developed in five main areas, each containing measures and actions that will be promoted by the Government of Catalonia:

1. Deploying charging infrastructure to efficiently cover both urban and rural areas.

2. Boosting demand for electric vehicles with economic incentives.

3. Improving the social perception of electric vehicles by highlighting environmental, economic, and social benefits.

4. Industry and innovation, strengthening Catalonia’s competitiveness in areas such as battery production, electric components, and smart mobility solutions.

5. Governance and efficient management through coordination between administrations, the private sector, and other key agents to maximize the effectiveness and impact of actions.

Light Mobility Cluster has positively evaluated most aspects of this plan. However, in point 2 of the axis "Boosting demand for electric vehicles," the following measure has been noted:

“Promotion of the gradual limitation of combustion motorcycles. Alongside the gradual implementation of circulation restrictions for combustion motorcycles with environmental labels B and C, an industrial transition program will be established to promote the production, distribution, and repair of electric motorcycles.”

Light Mobility Cluster expresses its disagreement with this measure, as both the industry and users in the motorcycle sector – with nearly 1.2 million registered motorcycles in Catalonia – will be unfairly affected compared to other transport segments. The restriction applies exclusively to motorcycles, without considering other vehicles such as cars, vans, or public transport, even though motorcycles are the least polluting means of transport and contribute significantly to urban mobility.

Moreover, this policy ignores the need to protect the local industry. Catalonia already lost its productive capacity and leadership in key sectors, such as textiles, when it was not protected from Asian competition. If this measure is applied now without a comprehensive plan that includes support for industrialization, workforce transition, infrastructure, and a sales and service network, the motorcycle sector in Catalonia risks disappearing.

The prohibition, in these terms, is disproportionate. It is not only a discriminatory measure against other forms of transport but also places the economic responsibility on citizens to solve the problem. The transition to sustainable mobility must be accompanied by real policies, that is, with effective and accessible funding. Otherwise, the restrictions remain mere statements of intent. Recent examples, such as subsidies approved for the purchase of electric cars or the installation of chargers, show how, after more than a year, many beneficiaries still have not received the promised funds.

Light Mobility Cluster urges the Government of Catalonia to review this measure to ensure a fair and equitable transition, balancing electrification with the needs of industry and users. Instead of imposing restrictions without a solid support plan, sustainable mobility should be promoted that combines electric and low-emission motorcycles with coherent and real economic and structural backing.

The path toward sustainable mobility cannot be based on prohibitions without viable alternatives or measures that punish a key sector for the economy and urban mobility. If we truly want a cleaner and more efficient future, shouldn’t we bet on balanced solutions instead of imposing restrictions without a real support plan?

Press release from la Generalitat of Catalonia.