With the upcoming elections, it’s important to consider the car tax plans of the political parties. The K-word (kilometre tax) is beginning to resurface. Despite already paying a significant amount for road tax, it is essential to maintain the current system. This decision is influenced by my experiences in neighboring countries.
We currently pay 202 euros in road tax per month for our two cars at home. This amount feels substantial, especially considering that the average Dutch person drives significantly fewer kilometers. In our case, we cover approximately 28,000 kilometers per year between both cars. The question arises as to whether we should pay as we go.
Stay informed of tax developments and sign up for our free newsletter.
Tip
With Private Lease you can get into the iconic Fiat 500 Hybrid from just €279 per month.
How long do EVs remain road tax free?
Despite paying a significant road tax for traditional vehicles, it’s concerning that EV drivers, with their heavy battery boxes, continue to drive on our roads without any charge. The duration of this arrangement remains uncertain. While it may be reasonable for electric cars to eventually lose this exemption, it’s crucial for politicians to maintain the incentive to drive EVs if they aim to phase out combustion engine cars. Furthermore, the tax plans for plug-in hybrids also lack reassurance.
Last summer, the 2,424 euros that we paid annually for MRB could have funded a lovely plane trip. Instead, we opted to drive through Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Belgium, and Luxembourg, covering 4,500 kilometers over three weeks while leaving the Dutch road network untouched.
Annoyance about construction work and variable speeds on the autobahn
During our travels, we encountered numerous challenges, including poorly maintained roads and various disruptions due to ongoing construction. Additionally, the autobahn left much to be desired, with a lack of consistency in speed limits. This led us to believe that the German highway is not as exceptional as it is often touted to be. Furthermore, unexpected closures of internal roads, some of which were of subpar quality, surprised us in Eastern Europe.
We would like to notify you about new articles through notifications, do you accept? Sign up below: