Dutch EV Subsidy (SEPP) 2026: Ended - What Benefits Remain?

Is there still a SEPP subsidy 2026? No, the SEPP subsidy for electric cars is no longer available. The Subsidieregeling Emissieloze Personenauto's (Subsidy Scheme for Zero-Emission Passenger Cars) ran from 2020 to 2025 and ended without a successor. But does this mean electric driving is now more expensive? Not necessarily. There are still tax benefits that both private and business drivers can take advantage of.

Why did the SEPP subsidy end?

The government deliberately let the SEPP scheme expire. The reasoning: electric cars are now mainstream enough to compete with petrol and diesel cars without purchase subsidies. With 40% EV share in new sales in 2025, the market seems to confirm this.

What was the SEPP subsidy?

• €2,950 for new electric cars (up to €45,000)
• €2,000 for used electric cars
• Application period: 2020-2024 (budget regularly ran out)

What benefits still apply in 2026?

Although the purchase subsidy is gone, there are still financial incentives for electric driving:

1. Road Tax (MRB): 30% Discount

Electric cars still receive 30% discount on road tax in 2026. This is less than the full exemption of the past, but still significant.

Example MRB 2026 (average EV around 1,800 kg):

• Regular rate: approximately €600/year
• With 30% discount: approximately €420/year
• Savings: €180/year

Note: from 2027 the discount drops to 25%, and in 2028 to 0%.

2. Company Car Tax for Business Use

For entrepreneurs and employees with a company car, electric driving remains fiscally attractive:

• 18% tax on first €30,000 (instead of 22%)
• Effective savings: up to €1,200 per year

Read more in our article about company car tax 2026.

3. Lower Energy Costs

Home charging costs an average of €0.30 per kWh, or about €5-6 per 100 km. Petrol driving costs €12-15 per 100 km. At 15,000 km per year, you save €900-1,350 on fuel.

4. Regional and Municipal Schemes

Some provinces and municipalities still offer incentives:

• Free or cheaper parking for EVs
• Subsidies for home charging points
• Discounts on parking permits

Check your municipality's website or RVO.nl for current schemes.

Already received SEPP subsidy? What you need to know

If you received SEPP subsidy between 2020-2024, obligations still apply:

3-year retention requirement:

• You must keep the car in your name for at least 3 years
• Sell earlier? Then you must repay (part of) the subsidy
• This also applies in case of total loss or theft

Always report changes to RVO via mijn.rvo.nl.

Is electric driving still cheaper?

Yes, for most drivers. The Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of an electric car is often lower than a comparable petrol car, even without subsidies:

Cost Item	EV	Petrol
Purchase	Higher	Lower
Fuel/charging	€960/year	€2,250/year
Road tax	€420/year	€600/year
Maintenance	€200/year	€500/year
TCO after 5 years	Lower	Higher

Calculate your own situation

Want to know if electric driving makes financial sense for you? Calculate it yourself:

• Calculate your TCO
• Compare electric vehicles

Conclusion

The SEPP subsidy is gone, but electric driving remains attractive due to lower fuel costs, road tax discounts, and company car tax benefits. The market for affordable EVs is also growing rapidly, with models like the Dacia Spring (€18,000) and Renault Twingo (€20,000) making electric driving more accessible than ever.

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This article is based on information from RVO.nl and Rijksoverheid.nl.