The current system, called "Bonus-malus", means that those who drive a car with low carbon emissions, such as electric cars, receive a climate bonus of up to SEK 60,000 and low vehicle tax. When it comes to company car drivers, there will be reduced benefit values and reduced tax for the employer.
The OAG's new report, published on Thursday, shows that as many as 84 percent of that bonus goes to Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö. According to the National Audit Office's calculations, the state also gives 40 percent more support for a benefit car than the corresponding privately owned car.
- There is no indication that it would be effective for the climate to favor a special group of car buyers in the way it has become. We believe that the government should review the need to reduce the benefit value for environmental cars, says Cecilia Kellberg, Audit Director at the OAG.
"Benefit the whole country"
However, according to Environment Minister Isabella Lövin, the system will benefit the entire country.
- It is always the case that there are some who start in a transition. But this will be something that will benefit the entire country, she says.
But so far this money goes to directors in Stockholm, you could say, are you happy with that?
- I am not sure that the Swedish National Audit Office has been able to identify that it is precisely to the directors in Stockholm that the bonuses go, says Isabella Lövin.
" Distributive economic effects "In its report, the OAG also points out that today's system, which thus benefits cars with low emissions, costs twice as much as a carbon tax.
However, according to Isabella Lövin, a carbon tax could have major consequences.
- It would mean that those who can not afford to refuel then simply could not use their car anymore. It would have economical distribution effects that would be very, very wrong.