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Incentives for electric cars

News item | 03-07-2009

The government has earmarked 65 million euros to help make the Netherlands the international testing ground for electric cars. It has also drawn up a plan to speed up the introduction of electric cars onto the market.

By 2010, the price of electric cars is to be far more competitive. And the first steps must have been taken towards a standard battery charging system.

The government believes that the Netherlands is ideal for electric cars. Distances are short, roads are flat and the electricity network is good. What is more, many of the leading suppliers of parts for electric cars are Dutch companies.

The government wants to make use of this advantageous starting position.

Some of the measures from the government plan are listed below

• Companies that buy electric cars will receive an average of 8,000 euros in support.
• Companies investing in battery charging points will be eligible for tax breaks.
• Electric cars will be exempted from both car and motorcycle tax and road tax.
• Wherever possible, the government will buy electric cars for its own fleet.

The Formula E team, made up of people from the knowledge industry, the market and civil society organisations, will look at the challenges, opportunities and dilemmas presented by electric cars.