City hall continues to promote Taichung as a city of low carbon living. Since the Environmental Protection Bureau began conducting its survey in 2013, the number of two stroke vehicles in Taichung has decreased by 114,517. It is estimated that PM2.5 emission can be reduced by an average of 0.149 kilograms per vehicle per year. With subsidies provided by both the central administration and city hall, the number of heavy electric motorbikes has grown to 3,868 while the number of electric bicycles and electric assisted bicycles has increased by 1,932 and 1,858 from 2014, respectively. In the future, city hall will continue to clamp down on old two stroke motorcycles while advising citizens to utilize this year’s special bonus subsidy, the largest in the nation, to use low-emission electric cars and do their part in environmental protection.
　　Since the survey began in 2013, the number of two stroke vehicles in Taichung has decreased by a total of 114,517 by last year. However, 254,143 two stroke vehicles still remain. These vehicles cause much more pollution than four stroke vehicles as they produce 17 times more hydrocarbons (HC) than four strokes and twice as much carbon monoxide (CO).
　　This is the reason why city hall has collaborated with the central administration to provide subsidies in order to encourage citizens to purchase electric cars. This resulted in the number of heavy electric motorbikes growing to 3,868 last year while the number of electric bicycles and electric assisted bicycles has increased by 1,932 and 1,858 from 2014, respectively. When viewed from the air quality improvement angle, each electric car emits 0.203 kilograms less PM10, 0.149 kilograms less PM2.5, 0.594 kilograms less NOx and 1.143 kilograms less NMHC than fuel vehicles each year. 203 recharge stations for 2-wheel electric vehicles have also been established citywide. The recharging environment is excellent and it is hoped that citizens will utilize them to their fullest.
　　The Environmental Protection Bureau pointed out that in order to further promote the electric car and realize the vision of Taichung as a low-carbon city, low-income citizens whose two stroke motorbike is registered in Taichung City will receive up to NT$33,800 from the Bureau and city hall when they redeem a TES-approved heavy electric motorbike. Redeeming light/small electric motorbikes will be eligible to receive up to NT$31,800 while redeeming electric bicycles or electric assisted bicycles will also be eligible to receive NT$13,000. All these numbers are highest in the nation.
　　In addition, those who purchase electric motorbikes directly will also receive NT$23,000 while those who purchase electric bicycles or electric assisted bicycles will receive NT$6,000. A bonus of NT$2,500 will be provided to those who simply junk their old two strokes instead of redeeming them. The fact that some low-income households work in the recycling business has also been taken into consideration. Due to electric motorbikes being unable to carry weight, these households are eligible to junk their old motorbikes and redeem fuel motorbikes manufactured after July 1, 2007. They may receive up to NT$11,500 in subsidies.
　　Regular citizens will receive up to NT$17,000 when purchasing heavy electric motorbikes, NT$15,000 when purchasing light/small electric motorbikes and NT$7,000 when purchasing electric bicycles or electric assisted bicycles. If they simple purchase electric bicycles or electric assisted bicycles, they will also be eligible to receive NT$2,600. If they only junk their old two strokes instead of purchasing one, they can only receive NT$1,500.
　　The Environmental Protection Bureau reminds citizens that regulations on old two stroke motorbikes will tighten in the future. These will include regular inspection, a usage status report system, high-emission smoke inspection and prohibition of riding two strokes in certain areas. It is advised that citizens utilize the subsidy system with haste to invalidate high-emission vehicles and redeem low-carbon electric vehicles.
　　The bonus subsidies are limited so it is advised that citizens invalidate two strokes with haste and apply for the subsidies. The Environmental Protection Bureau will hand out subsidies by order of application. When they reach the limit, all remaining applicants will only be able to apply according to the regular procedure released by the bureau without any bonuses from city hall.
　　The Environmental Protection Bureau reminds citizens that applications for subsidies begin on the 14th of this month. Please log on to the “Green Energy Transportation” site at http://green.epb.taichung.gov.tw/ or call 04-22201661 for more application forms and remaining quotas of the 2016 “Invalidate Two Stroke Motorcycles and Redeem Electric Two-Wheel Vehicles Subsidy Application” provided by the central Environmental Protection Department in collaboration with Taichung City Hall.
Only TES-certified vehicles are eligible for these subsidies. Please log onto http://www.lev.org.tw/default.asp for more information on certified products.

Contact: Ms. Hung Wenling, Air Quality and Noise Control Division

Contact Number: 04-22201661