The Flemish premiums for electric cars with a purchase price below 40,000 euros are increasing rapidly. Too hard. This is evident from figures that Flemish Member of Parliament Sofie Mertens (CD&V) requested from Flemish Minister of Mobility Lydia Peeters (Open VLD). On April 18, the counter already stood at 27.7 million euros in applications – well more than the budgeted 20 million.
“The figures show that the amount will be far above the anticipated amount if this continues,” says Mertens. “We as a party have always said that these premiums were not a good idea.” The Council of State previously warned that it is impossible for people to no longer receive subsidies once the fund is empty.
Minister Peeters promises to pay out all premiums. “That was decided collectively by the Flemish government. Everyone who applies for their incentives this year will receive them.” The premiums can still be applied for until December 31. “In addition, checks still need to be carried out. It is by no means certain that we will approve all applications and will actually have to pay out 27.7 million euros.”
The Peeters cabinet emphasizes that the planned 20 million euros was a starting point. The pot was previously expanded to 26 million euros through a reform of the kilometer charge for trucks.
No regrets
Although coalition partners CD&V and N-VA are losing her weight, Peeters does not regret the premium. “Never before have so many e-cars been registered. Prices drop. The air quality improves. This is partly thanks to our premium.”
Although Peeters claims that a collegial decision will be made as to where the money for the premiums should be sought, elsewhere it is consistently said that she will have to get the money from a liberal ministerial portfolio. “I fear that the entire premium will be scrapped after the June 9 elections,” Mertens estimates.
The premium system started on February 12 and is intended for private individuals, non-profit organizations and car sharing providers. Anyone who buys a new electric car with a new price of less than 40,000 euros can count on 5,000 euros in Flemish support. For a second-hand car this amounts to 3,000 euros and the initial purchase price may not exceed 60,000.
Originally, the premium could be applied for for three years. That period has already been shortened to one year. At the current pace, 500 applications will be added per month until the end of the year.
