EV Belgium, the Federation for Electric Mobility in Belgium, has expressed both approval and concern following the Belgian Federal Government’s new agreement on tax incentives for electric vehicles.
While the federation welcomes the retention of tax advantages for fully electric vehicles, it has raised strong objections to the continued support for plug-in hybrids, particularly the extension of their tax benefits until 2029.
On Sunday, EV Belgium released a statement highlighting its concerns over the government’s stance on plug-in hybrid vehicles, which it sees as contradictory to Belgium’s long-term climate and sustainability objectives.
The federation believes the government’s assumption that an electric company car is not a viable option for everyone is outdated and detrimental to progress in the shift toward zero-emission mobility.
“This policy not only hampers the necessary acceleration towards zero-emission mobility but also reflects a lack of ambition in addressing climate change and reducing dependence on fossil fuels,” EV Belgium stated.
The federation emphasized that a more decisive approach is needed to ensure the rapid transition to fully electric vehicles and to meet the country’s environmental targets.
EV Belgium also criticized the decision to extend the tax advantages for plug-in hybrids. The new measures allow these vehicles to continue receiving tax breaks until 2029, a provision that EV Belgium considers a step backwards in the country’s efforts to decarbonize the transportation sector.
While the tax breaks for fully electric vehicles remain in place, the federation is concerned that the ongoing incentives for plug-in hybrids undermine the push for all-electric alternatives.
“Allowing plug-in hybrids to retain their tax advantages for another six years runs counter to the goal of achieving net-zero emissions. A clear and coherent policy that accelerates the phase-out of these subsidies is essential to drive the transition toward sustainable mobility,” said the federation in its statement.
EV Belgium is calling for the government to set a clear timetable for the removal of tax incentives for plug-in hybrids and prioritize the promotion of all-electric vehicles instead.
Despite these concerns, EV Belgium did acknowledge several positive aspects of the new policy, particularly measures aimed at supporting electric mobility for all.
These include the promotion of social leasing options for electric cars, which aims to make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider range of people, and efforts to simplify the installation of charging infrastructure in apartment buildings.
The federation also welcomed the proposal to shift taxes from fossil fuels to electricity, a move that could help incentivize the adoption of electric vehicles across Belgium.
However, EV Belgium remains firm in its belief that a more aggressive stance is needed from the government to meet its climate goals.
“A coherent and ambitious policy, one that prioritizes electric vehicles and phases out hybrid vehicles sooner, is necessary to ensure Belgium can make meaningful progress toward its environmental targets,” the federation concluded.
As the Belgian government pushes forward with its tax agreement, the debate over the role of plug-in hybrids in the country’s transition to clean energy remains a point of contention, with environmental groups pushing for a more decisive shift toward full electrification.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
