For example, the cabinet wants to make second-hand electric cars affordable

The range of cheap electric used cars is still quite limited. The cabinet wants to do something about it and is providing 600 million euros to make used electric cars accessible to more people.

We recently wrote about some affordable used electric vehicles that are now for sale as used cars. However, for many Dutch people, these models are also over budget. Nevertheless, the government is happy that these people drive an electric car, which is why a subsidy program is on the table to make buying an electric vehicle more affordable.

Electric cars cheaper, combustion engines less attractive

This agreement is part of a climate package that Prime Minister Rutte (VVD) met late into the night with Sigrid Kaag (D66), Wopke Hoekstra (CDA) and Carola Schouten (ChristenUnie), among others.

Climate and Energy Secretary Rob Jetten was also involved in the talks, calling it an “ambitious, fair and workable package”. Incidentally, Jetten wants to make new cars with internal combustion engines less attractive by increasing their BPM (perhaps even doubling them).

600 million euros

The government wants to release 600 million euros for this support program. This should make used electric cars more affordable for Dutch people who would like to drive electrically but do not have the financial means to do so.

Since many fully electric cars have only been on sale for a few years, the range of used electric cars is still somewhat limited. Where you can find enough used ICE cars for a giant, finding a used electric car for that money is an almost impossible proposition.

Cheaper e-cars on the way

Even if you step into a showroom, you realize that electric vehicles are still more expensive. Where you can pick up a brand new Mitsubishi Space Star from €16,490, you’ll pay at least €21,750 for the cheapest new electric car, a Dacia Spring Electric.

Automakers are also doing their best to make cheaper electric vehicles. For example, Volkswagen wants to launch a model for less than 20,000 euros. A necessity now that affordable Chinese electric vehicles threaten to swamp the European fleet.