Dutch Government phases out road tax rebate for EVs
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To stimulate the popularity of electric vehicles, the Dutch government has (partially) exempted EVs from motor vehicle tax in recent years. Towards 2026, this so-called MRB discount will be gradually reduced to 0%. In this article you can read in which steps this will happen.
To stimulate the popularity of electric vehicles, the Dutch government has (partially) exempted EVs from motor vehicle tax in recent years. Towards 2026, this so-called MRB (Motor Rijtuigen Belasting) discount will be gradually reduced to 0%. In this article you can read in which steps this will happen.
Motor vehicle tax (popularly known as road tax) must be paid on every motor vehicle registered in the Netherlands. The amount is determined based on the type of fuel, CO2 emissions and the weight of the vehicle.
Due to the weight of the batteries, an EV is comparatively heavier than a comparable vehicle with a petrol engine. To make EVs more financially attractive, the government has therefore given a discount on the MRB of up to 100% for years.
In recent years, a distinction has been made between plug-in hybrids (PHEV, emissions up to a maximum of 50 grams CO2/km) and fully electric vehicles (BEV, 0 grams of emissions per KM). From 2026, this distinction will also disappear and the MRB discount will be scrapped completely.
Overview of discount percentages up to and including 2026
| BEV | PHEV | |
| 2024 | 100% | 50% |
| 2025 | 75% | 25% |
| 2026 | 0% | 0% |
Still compensation for BEVs?
It is possible that the government will want to continue to stimulate the sale and use of fully electric vehicles, but in different ways.
There is a possibility that the government will compensate for this higher weight, so that a BEV remains a financially attractive alternative to a car with an internal combustion engine. There is also talk of plans to switch from a property tax to a use tax by 2030, where taxes will be levied per kilometer. As far as is currently known, this use tax will also apply to electric cars.
If more is known about this, you can of course read it here.
