RAI Association: ‘One-sided government focus on electrification’

Steven van Eijck, chairman of the RAI Association, says in a reaction that the affordability of mobility is coming under increasing pressure as a result of what is in the Budget Day documents. Including for entrepreneurs. With this, Van Eijck is referring to the announcement to abolish the tax exemption on new non-electric vans as of 2023 in order to boost the sale of electric vans in this way. ‘However, this is not yet an alternative for many entrepreneurs, which means that they will soon lose an average of 11,000 euros more for their van,’ RAI Association writes in a statement. Chairman Van Eijck therefore urges the cabinet to keep ‘sustainable mobility’ affordable for everyone.

The RAI Association is of the opinion that the cabinet has a one-sided focus on electrification of mobility and that it pays too little attention to affordable alternative, economical means of transport and fuels. “The only way to stick to the climate goals and keep mobility affordable in the coming years is through a technology-neutral mobility policy,” says Van Eijck. “Bet on multiple technologies, such as hydrogen, (plug-in) hybrid and alternative sustainable fuels. Also encourage the use of bicycles and scooters for short to medium distances. This increases the freedom of choice, more consumers and entrepreneurs can immediately save COշ and the costs fall.”

The RAI Association also states that completely emission-free transport is not yet an option for both entrepreneurs and the Dutch motorist in general in the coming years. “There are plenty of sustainable and more affordable alternatives available to them, but these are not an integral part of government policy.” In addition, the interest group believes that the necessary charging infrastructure and the capacity of the electricity network are insufficient to further electrify road transport.

Is there only criticism? No. The Rai Association is pleased with the cabinet’s decision to extend the reduction in excise duty on fuel this year until mid-2023. But here too the interest group makes a recommendation: “In addition, ensure a permanent reduction in excise duty on cleaner renewable fuels, such as synthetic fuels. petrol.”