Call to government: SEPP subsidy also for electric microcars!
L6th and L7th explained
Okay, in this article about SEPP subsidy for microcars, we first give some explanation about L6e and L7e. Because what exactly does that mean? Actually, it is quite simple: the L6e category includes light four-wheelers. Think of models like the Opel Rocks Electric, Citroën Ami or Fiat Topolino. The L7e category includes models such as the Microlino and Silence S04. These latter two electric L7e models reach a top speed of 90 km/h, where the L6e models can travel up to 45 km/h.
Excellent solution
For a lot of people – living in the city or just outside – such a microcar is an excellent choice for driving from A to B in a sustainable way. But as an individual, you don’t get a benefit in the form of a subsidy. For business use, you do benefit from an MIA scheme, but it does not apply to individuals.
Italy is already doing it!
That should be different. In this regard, the Netherlands can learn a lot from other countries in Europe. Take Italy. That country has a so-called Ecobonus, which gives individuals a 3,000 euro discount on an electric vehicle, including one like the Fiat Topolino. That saves a lot, especially since these electric microcars have a sharply lower starting price. Such a Topolino costs as little as 7,500 euros in Italy with a subsidy.
SEPP grant also for L6e and L7e
That something must be done is clear, because even with nearly 3,000 euros in government subsidies for new EVs, few individuals are making the switch to electric driving. Real rocket science it does not seem to us. The RFO – responsible for implementing the SEPP subsidy – simply needs to incorporate into the system that private individuals also receive subsidies on L6e and L7e electric vehicles.
Calculation examples
Okay, suppose the SEPP subsidy will also apply to electric vehicles in the L6e and L7e segments, what will be the effect on the starting price? We give some calculation examples, where the Dutch government gives 2,950 euros subsidy on the purchase of a new microcar. So what is the effect on the starting price?
The calculation examples below are based on 2,950 euros SEPP subsidy
L6e
Opel Rocks Electric Tekno
- Starting price: 9,499 euros
- With SEPP subsidy: 6,549 euros
Citroën AMI POP
- Starting price: 8,890 euros
- With SEPP grant: 5,940 euros
FIAT Topolino (guide price)
- Starting price: 10,500 euros
- With SEPP subsidy: 7,550 euros
Birò Urban
- Starting price: 13,495 euros
- With SEPP grant: 10,545 euros
L7e
Microlino
- Starting price: 17,990 euros
- With SEPP grant: 15,040 euros
Silence S04
- Starting price: 16,999 euros
- With SEPP grant: 14,049 euros
XEV YoYo
- Starting price: 15,770 euros
- With SEPP grant: 12,820 euros
Solid impact on price thanks to SEPP grant
As you note, a subsidy of 2,950 euros has a solid impact on the starting price of a microcar. Especially in the L6e category, the starting price drops sharply. By 2024, there will be a total of 58 million euros in the SEPP subsidy pot. Why no SEPP subsidy on “microcars” either?
We also have a video of some of the models discussed in this article. Check them out below!
