The free parking benefit will be limited to fully battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, and fuel cell vehicles that can be registered with an electric license plate.

Concerns have also been raised about the potential for increased fees to deter less affluent drivers, possibly leading to a rise in luxury vehicles on the roads.

The Bavarian City Council has criticized the lack of financial compensation for municipalities, arguing that it limits local authorities' control over parking management.

Mayors have expressed that the anticipated financial losses are particularly challenging given current budgetary conditions, which could affect funding for other sustainability projects.

In response to the new regulation, a proposal for new parking fees is being developed, taking into account rates from comparable locations.

Starting April 1, 2025, a new regulation in Bavaria will allow electric vehicles (EVs) to park for free in public spaces for up to three hours, a move aimed at promoting electric mobility.

This regulation is particularly significant in major cities like Munich and Nuremberg, where public parking is scarce and expensive, yet it has raised concerns about financial impacts on municipalities.

Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Herrmann stated that this initiative seeks to make purchasing EVs more attractive in urban areas while contributing to improved air quality and reduced vehicle noise.

Many municipalities, including Memmingen, Sonthofen, and Füssen, are worried about potential revenue losses from parking fees due to the initiative, with estimates suggesting losses could reach up to 180,000 euros by 2026.

Notably, the parking fee exemption will not apply to privately operated parking lots, which could further complicate access for EV drivers.

Current parking rates in the region include one euro for the first hour and up to four hours costing 1.50 euros, with a day ticket priced at eight euros.

In light of the new regulation, there have been proposals to raise existing parking fees, which have not been adjusted since 2021, to mitigate potential revenue losses.