The negotiators for the Flemish government want to revise the exemption from road tax for electric cars, writes The Latest News Friday. After all, plug-in cars also contribute to the wear and tear of our roads, and Flanders can use the extra money.
Drivers in Flanders are subject to two traffic taxes: a one-off tax when registering the car (the so-called BIV), and the annual traffic tax. Cars that run on electricity or hydrogen are exempt from this. N-VA, Vooruit and CD&V want to revise this tax exemption, as stated in a negotiating note. The number of plug-in cars in Flanders has increased tenfold in the past four years, and the treasury is missing out on tax revenues.
Precise rates or transition periods are not known, but the current zero rate for cars on electricity or hydrogen may be gradually reduced. Only new owners will have to pay the one-off registration tax. Those who already drive such a car will not be presented with that bill. That would be the case with the annual road tax.
Finally, the purchase premium of 5,000 euros for new electric cars — which remains valid until the end of this year — will also be abolished.