Road traffic causes about one-fifth of greenhouse gas emissions in the Netherlands. An electric car does not emit greenhouse gases and nitrogen dioxide. That is why the government encourages electric driving and makes our old car donation to a more needy cause, sort of a charitable organization. This is stated in the Climate Agreement.
Advantages of electric driving
Driving an electric car has several advantages:
- You can get an exemption from motor vehicle tax (MRB) and tax on passenger cars and motorcycles (BPM).
- You may have a lower tax addition.
- Electric driving is more economical than driving on petrol or diesel.
- No emissions of greenhouse gases, nitrogen dioxide, and particulate matter
- Contributes to cleaner air.
- Individuals can apply for a subsidy for fully electric cars.
- Entrepreneurs can apply for a subsidy for fully electric company cars.
Clean transport helps meet climate goals
The Climate Agreement states that the Netherlands must emit 49% less CO2 in 2030. In 2050, this will be 95%. Clean transport helps to achieve these goals. For example, all new passenger cars that will be on the market in 2030 must be 100% electric. These cars then run on electricity from a battery, hydrogen fuel cell, or solar panels.
Subsidy for electric passenger cars
The central government wants to make electric driving attractive for more private individuals. That is why private individuals can apply for a subsidy. The subsidy applies (subject to conditions) to:
- fully electric passenger cars in the smaller or compact middle class;
- the list price (original new price) is not lower than € 12,000 and does not exceed € 45,000;
- cars purchased or leased in the year in which subsidy is applied for and there is still money left;
- new and used electric passenger cars.
ALSO READ: Why Do We Make Politics So Complicated?
Charging 1.9 million electric cars in 2030
Electric cars need to be charged. There are more than 55,000 public charging stations on the street and in parking garages in the Netherlands. The National Charging Infrastructure Agenda (NAL) is the action to have 1.7 million charging points in the Netherlands by 2030. There are then about 1.9 million electric passenger cars in use.
Green Deals for Electric Driving
The government is working with other parties on agreements on sustainability in Green Deals. For example, the central government supports the use of electric vehicles in the transport sector. Think, for example, of electric lease cars, electric public transport, and electric taxis.
Energy labels for cars
New cars have an energy label. This energy label states, among other things, how much fuel the car consumes compared to cars of similar size.
Label for car tires
All new tires for cars and vans are covered by the European tire label. Allows you to compare tires in the field of fuel consumption.
Agreements on alternative fuels and energy savings
The central government stimulates the supply of environmentally friendly fuels for transport such as biodiesel. For example, with a subsidy. The Energy Agreement for Sustainable Growth contains agreements on energy-saving and more sustainable energy. These agreements have been made with employers, trade unions, and environmental organizations, among others.
Environmental zones for diesel cars
As of 1 January 2020, national rules apply to municipalities with environmental zones. In environmental zones, municipalities are allowed to ban older diesel cars, trucks, and buses that cause a lot of air pollution. Municipalities had their own rules for environmental zones until 1 January 2020. From 1 January to 29 October 2020, they will adapt these to the national rules.
According to the national rules as of 1 January 2020, the emission class of your diesel car, truck, or bus determines whether you can enter an environmental zone. Diesel cars with emission class 3 may only enter a yellow environmental zone. These cars will be up to 20 years old in 2020. Diesel with emission class 4 and higher are allowed to enter a green zone. These cars, trucks, or buses will be up to 15 years old in 2020.
Petrol-powered cars, buses, and trucks are always allowed to enter the environmental zone.