Electric driving is the future and is being actively encouraged by the government. Until 2025, owners of a fully electric car (EV) will enjoy full exemption from road tax (motor vehicle tax, MRB). However, this tax benefit is about to change. Starting in 2025 and 2026 , the rules will be gradually tightened, which will have direct financial consequences for EV owners.
At Accu-Machine.nl, we believe it's important that you're well-informed about all aspects of electric driving and charging. In this article, we'll delve into the upcoming changes to road tax for EVs and offer practical tips for managing future costs and optimizing your charging habits.
The phasing out of the MRB exemption for EVs: what does it mean?
The government is gradually phasing out tax benefits for fully electric cars to ensure a sustainable, market-driven transition. Here are the key dates and percentages:
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Until December 31, 2025: Fully electric cars are completely exempt from road tax. You pay 0% MRB.
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From January 1, 2026: EVs will pay 25% of the standard MRB rate that applies to comparable petrol cars of the same weight.
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From January 1, 2031: From this date, the MRB benefit will be completely abolished. Electric cars will then pay 100% of the normal MRB rate, just like gasoline cars of the same weight.
Why this gradual phase-out? The tax incentive is intended to promote the purchase of EVs in the initial phase of fleet electrification. As EVs become more affordable and commonplace, the government no longer considers it necessary to maintain the full tax benefits. The gradual phase-out gives the market and consumers time to adjust.
Practical consequences for electric car owners
The main impact is that the fixed costs for your EV will increase from 2026. The exact amount of road tax depends on the weight of your car and the provincial MRB rate.
Calculation example (indicative): Suppose your electric car weighs the same as a petrol car for which you would pay €150 per quarter in road tax.
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Until the end of 2025: you pay €0 per quarter.
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From 2026: you pay €37.50 per quarter (25% of €150).
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From 2031: you pay €150 per quarter.
Although costs will remain relatively low in 2026, it is important to be aware of these future expenses and recalculate your total TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).
Tips to limit costs through smart charging and driving
Although the MRB (motor vehicle tax) is rising, driving an electric car remains more cost-effective than running on fossil fuels in many cases, especially if you're smart about charging. Here are some tips to limit your total costs:
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Optimize your charging behavior with a home charger: You'll achieve the greatest long-term savings by charging at home as much as possible.
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Cost per kWh: Charging at home is often significantly cheaper than charging in public areas (fast charging is the most expensive). On average, you pay €0.25-€0.40 per kWh at home, while public charging stations range from €0.35 to as much as €0.70 per kWh.
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Speed and convenience: With your own home charger (wall box), you can charge your EV quickly and easily, often at 11 kW or even 22 kW, depending on your meter connection and vehicle. This saves time and makes it more attractive to always drive with a full battery.
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Consider a smart charging solution: Smart charging stations offer features that help you save money:
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Load Balancing: Prevents overloading your home network and unnecessary costs for your meter box. The charging station automatically adjusts the charging speed to your home's energy consumption.
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Charging at off-peak rates or dynamic rates: If you have a dynamic energy contract, you can set your smart charging station to only charge when the electricity price is lowest.
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Solar charging: Do you have solar panels? A smart charging station can prioritize charging with your own generated solar energy, further reducing your energy bill.
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Choose the right charging cable: Make sure you have a charging cable that matches your EV's maximum AC charging capacity (for example, 3-phase 16A for 11 kW or 3-phase 32A for 22 kW). This ensures you'll reach the maximum charging speed your home meter and car allow.
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Adjust your driving style: An efficient driving style (smooth acceleration, anticipation, regenerative braking) extends your EV's range. Every additional kilometer on a single charge means fewer charging sessions and therefore lower energy costs.
Accu-Machine.nl helps you charge efficiently and cost-effectively
The gradual introduction of road tax for EVs emphasizes the importance of efficient charging. By investing in a good home charger and smart charging solutions, you can minimize your annual charging costs and thus offset the increase in fixed costs (MVT).
At Accu-Machine.nl, you'll find a wide range of high-quality home chargers and charging cables that perfectly match your electric car and your needs. Whether you're looking for a home charging station with load balancing or an extra-long charging cable, we have the solution to charge your EV as cost-effectively and efficiently as possible.
View our offer and prepare for the future of electric driving:
Do you have questions about the best charging solution for your electric car, or would you like to learn more about the impact of road tax? Feel free to contact the experts at Accu-Machine.nl. We're happy to provide personalized advice!
