Entrepreneurs in city centers that are designated as a ‘zero emission zone’ are given a few more years to exchange their polluting van or truck for an electric vehicle, for example. This is reported by State Secretary Stientje van Veldhoven (Infrastructure), who has made agreements about this with various parties involved.
It has been agreed in the Climate Agreement that from 2025 municipalities may set up zones where only goods transport is permitted with vehicles that do not emit greenhouse gases. They must then announce this four years in advance, so that entrepreneurs have time to prepare.
Partly in light of the corona crisis, these companies will be given some extra time. There will be a transition phase until 2027 for vans and until the end of 2029 for trucks. In addition, the cabinet wants to compensate entrepreneurs with the purchase costs. A subsidy will be available for this between 2021 and 2025. There are also tax schemes that make it cheaper to invest in clean company cars.
“I think it is very important that we manage this transition together,” says Van Veldhoven. “Many entrepreneurs are in dire straits. That is why I find it extra important that we meet them when switching to a clean van or truck.” According to the State Secretary, the scheme ensures that the most polluting cars are the first to leave the road.
Individuals who have a delivery van or truck can obtain an exemption from the municipality. Exemption can also be given for vehicles for which no clean alternative is yet available. The rules also leave room for customization in cases where “a premature investment is not proportional”.
The RAI Association is happy with the agreements. These not only provide clarity to entrepreneurs, but also to the automotive industry, says chairman Steven van Eijck. The subsidy scheme also provides “an important investment injection that it can use well in these times of corona.”