Several European countries have taken active measures to promote sustainable energy and reduce carbon emissions. One key initiative in this regard is the implementation of subsidy policies for new energy sources. Notably, the Netherlands, Norway, France, and Germany have all introduced various subsidy programs to incentivize the adoption of renewable energy solutions and electric vehicles.
Netherlands
In the Netherlands, the government provides a variety of subsidies and incentives designed to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and the installation of EV charging stations. These include:
EV Purchase and Lease Subsidies
New EVs: In 2023, new electric vehicles are eligible for a subsidy of €2,950 if the price is below €45,000. The minimum driving range for electric vehicles should reach 120 kilometers. This is part of a larger €99.4 million subsidy pot allocated for the year.
Used EVs: A subsidy of €2,000 is available for the purchase or leasing of used electric cars .
Tax Benefits for EV Owners
Purchase Tax (BPM): Electric vehicles benefit from being fully exempt from the purchase tax until 2024, after which a nominal fee will be introduced.
Motor Vehicle Tax (MRB): EV owners are fully exempt from the motor vehicle tax until 2024, with discounts applying thereafter until the full rate is reinstated in 2026.
Incentives for Businesses
Businesses investing in EVs can take advantage of VAT exemptions, the Environmental Investment Allowance (MIA) for an investment deduction, and Bijtelling benefits for private use of company EVs.
Charging Infrastructure Incentives
There aren’t specific national or local incentives for the purchase and installation of private EV charging points mentioned for individual users. However, businesses can benefit from MIA and Random depreciation of environmental investments (VAMIL) for investing in charging points.
Local Municipality Incentives
Some municipalities provide additional incentives, such as Amsterdam’s subsidies for new and used emission-free vehicles and scrapping subsidies for older diesel vehicles.
City-specific subsidies
Different municipal governments may provide additional subsidies. For instance, Amsterdam offers subsidies of up to €3,000 for electric taxis and clean vehicles, as well as up to €40,000 for scrapping old diesel vehicles. They also provide a subsidy of €500 for scrapping old diesel cars.
These initiatives reflect the Netherlands’ commitment to promoting electric mobility as part of its broader environmental and energy strategies. For those interested in these incentives, it’s advisable to check with the relevant government agencies or local municipality offices for the most current information and application procedures.
German
In Germany, the government has set aside up to 900 million euros to expand electric vehicle (EV) charging stations for households and companies as part of its broader efforts to promote electromobility and achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. Up to 500 million euros in subsidies will be available from autumn to support private households in building charging stations with their own power supply, provided they own an electric car. An additional 400 million euros will be allocated for companies that want to build fast charging infrastructure for commercial cars and trucks starting from next summer.
Master Plan for Charging Infrastructure II in Germany
The German government has also implemented the Master Plan for Charging Infrastructure II, aiming to make charging electric cars easy, accessible everywhere, and at any time. This includes updating laws to make engagement in charging infrastructure more accessible for all stakeholders and ensuring that by the end of 2025, one-quarter of all employee parking spaces should be equipped with charging infrastructure.
Local and Regional Incentives
Local and regional incentives are also available, such as in Munich, where up to €3,000 per charging point of up to 22kW capacity and up to €10,000 per fast charging point with a capacity over 22kW are available. Similarly, other cities and regions offer various incentives for installing smart charging stations and wallbox chargers.
Norway
The Norwegian government’s subsidy policy for new energy electric vehicle charging stations reflects the country’s leading position in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles.
Tax incentives
Norway encourages the purchase and use of electric vehicles by providing a range of incentives and tax benefits. These include exemptions from purchase tax and value-added tax, road traffic insurance tax exemptions, favorable company vehicle taxes, as well as discounts on road and ferry tolls for electric vehicle users.
Support for charging infrastructure
Additionally, Norway provides a range of incentives at the local level, including free parking and charging in some cities.
Norway has a highly developed electric vehicle charging network with approximately 16,000 charging points, accounting for over 9% of the total charging stations in Europe. The Norwegian government supports market-driven charging infrastructure development and provides investments for establishing a nationwide fast-charging system until market-based solutions are in place.
EVSE grants for residential associations
The Norwegian government has set ambitious targets, aiming for all new passenger cars and light commercial vehicles sold by 2025 to be zero-emission vehicles. To achieve this goal, Norway offers a range of subsidies and support measures, including grants for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) provided to residential associations, with varying amounts depending on the region and project.
In conclusion, the Norwegian government promotes widespread adoption of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure through tax incentives, support for charging infrastructure development, and EVSE grants for residential associations. These policies and measures have collectively driven rapid development in Norway’s electric vehicle sector, making it one of the countries with the highest electric vehicle adoption rates in the world.
France
In France, the government offers various incentives for electric vehicles (EVs) and the installation of EV charging stations. These incentives are part of efforts to encourage the adoption of electric and low-emission vehicles to reduce environmental impact.
EV Purchase Incentives
Ecological Bonus: For new electric cars with a purchase price under €60,000, a subsidy of up to €5,000 is available. For hydrogen and light utility vehicles over €60,000, the subsidy is €3,000. Plug-in hybrids with CO2 emissions between 21g and 50g/km and a range of over 50km, priced under €50,000, can receive €2,000. There are also incentives for two-wheelers, three-wheelers, and electrically assisted bicycles, with the amount depending on the vehicle’s engine power.
Conversion Bonus (Scrappage Scheme): This scheme provides a subsidy for purchasing new or second-hand BEVs and PHEVs if you scrap an older diesel or gasoline car, with the amount varying based on household income. There’s also a bonus for purchasing an EV if you live or work in a low emission zone.
Tax Benefits
Both fully electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids can benefit from significant tax breaks, including exemptions or discounts on registration tax and company car tax for vehicles emitting less than 60g CO₂/km.
Local & Regional EV Incentives
Several local and regional incentives offer additional subsidies for the purchase of electric vehicles, supporting both individual and commercial purchases. These vary by region and may include purchase subsidies for electric vehicles, vans, trucks, and buses, as well as for setting up car-sharing services.
EV Charging Incentives
For Private Individuals: A tax credit of €300 is available for the purchase and installation of an EV charger at your main residence, subject to certain conditions.
For Businesses & Condominiums: The ADVENIR program supports the costs of supply and installation of charging points for companies and residential collectives, offering up to 40% of the purchase and installation costs for companies, and up to 50% for condominiums.
These incentives demonstrate France’s commitment to promoting the use of electric vehicles as part of its broader environmental and energy policies.
In summary, the Netherlands, Norway, France, and Germany have demonstrated their commitment to supporting the transition to clean energy through subsidy policies. These initiatives have facilitated the growth of renewable energy sources, encouraged the adoption of electric vehicles, and accelerated the development of charging infrastructure. By offering financial incentives and creating a favorable environment for sustainable technologies, these countries are paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future.