The electric vehicle (EV) market in the Netherlands has been steadily growing, with January 2025 showing promising results. According to data from EV Volumes, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) deliveries increased by 31% in the country, with 5,661 new models hitting the roads. However, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) took the lead, more than doubling the PHEV total.
In January, 11,336 new all-electric vehicles were registered, marking a 38.5% year-on-year increase. This surge in BEV registrations comes at a time when the wider new-car market in the Netherlands is experiencing a decline, as reported by local automotive body RAI Vereniging. BEVs now account for over a third of all new-car sales in the country.
The rise in BEV adoption can be attributed to the strong demand from the business sector. However, consumer confidence has been affected by increasing charging rates and the lack of improvement in home charging infrastructure. The Dutch government anticipates further growth in BEV adoption in 2025 and 2026, but the market’s development will heavily rely on subsidies and tax incentives.
Changes in tax regulations could impact the EV market in the Netherlands. The private motor vehicle tax, BPM, which is based on CO2 emissions, now includes a charge of €667 for all-electric cars. Additionally, the 75% discount on motor vehicle tax, MRB, for electric cars is set to decrease to 25% between 2026 and 2029. These changes could potentially slow down the growth of the EV market in the country.
Despite the impending tax and subsidy adjustments, one model that has been making waves in the Netherlands is the Kia EV3. With 1,760 registrations in January, the Kia EV3 emerged as the top-selling BEV and the most popular new car in the country by a significant margin. Its success highlights the potential for certain models to thrive even in the face of changing market conditions.
Other notable performers in the Dutch EV market include the Volvo EX30, the Volkswagen ID.3, and models from Tesla. Volkswagen Group also made a strong showing in January, claiming four of the top 10 spots with models like the Audi Q4 e-tron and the VW ID.4.
In the PHEV market, the Skoda Kodiaq led the way with 525 deliveries, followed by the Ford Kuga and the Volvo XC60. These models demonstrated the growing interest in plug-in hybrid vehicles among Dutch consumers.
The evolving landscape of the EV market in the Netherlands presents both challenges and opportunities for automakers. As tax incentives shift and consumer preferences change, manufacturers will need to adapt their strategies to remain competitive in this dynamic environment. With innovative models like the Kia EV3 leading the charge, the future of electric mobility in the Netherlands looks promising.
