These 3 new electric cars are ‘bargains’ thanks to subsidies

January 10, 2023

The rules of the game

Starting January 10, 2023 at 9 a.m. sharp, Dutch citizens can again apply for subsidies for a new electric passenger car with a purchase or lease agreement concluded on or after January 1, 2023. Of the total available subsidy of 99.4 million euros for this year, 67 million euros is earmarked for buying or leasing new electric cars. In addition, 32.4 million euros is available for buying used electric vehicles. There is enough subsidy for nearly 23,000 new and more than 16,000 used electric cars.

Those who buy or lease a new electric car can count on a subsidy of 2,950 euros. Compared to the first grant year, this is a decrease of 1,050 euros. To qualify for a subsidy, the car must be fully electric and the new price must be between 12,000 euros and 45,000 euros. Want to know exactly how this so-called SEPP scheme works? Then take a moment to read this article, in which we explain everything. Below are three brand-new EVs with a sharp starting price, which, thanks to the SEPP subsidy scheme, have been “discounted” extra nice and hefty.

MG 4

MG could go on another big hit this year thanks to the SEPP scheme. The Chinese brand also benefited from the (government) backing in 2020. Back then, individuals could receive up to 4,000 euros in subsidies for a new electric car. MG importer van Mossel decided at the time to temporarily double this subsidy, allowing a consumer to leave the showroom with an MG ZS EV for 22,985 euros. The Dutch did not hesitate for a moment and bought an MG en masse in 2020.

This year, the MG importer is not deploying the doubler. Neither is necessary. The MG 4 – the brand’s new stunner – has a competitive starting price: 30,790 euros. This makes it a lot more friendly priced than its competitors: the Volkswagen ID.3, Cupra Born, Kia Niro EV or Renault Mégane Electric. And it is definitely not inferior to these cars, as you can see in the video below.

Including subsidies, you now spend – as long as the subsidy pot is not empty – “only” 27,835 euros for an MG 4. Our advice? Choose the Comfort version. That one is 3,500 euros more expensive, but it does not have the 51 kWh battery but the large 64 kWh package. In addition, this version can load faster, has more power and better equipment. Thanks to the grant money, you can now make this upgrade almost “free.

Volkswagen ID.4

The Dutch Volkswagen importer is cleverly capitalizing on the market. On the price list, quite by accident, an extra-expensive ID.4 variant suddenly appears: the Volkswagen ID.4 Pure. That variant costs 43,690 euros, but with SEPP 2023 subsidy, that price drops to 40,740 euros for individuals. An excellent price, for a large SUV on electric power. You can also use the subsidy with private leasing, allowing you to drive this “economical” ID.4 from 639 euros per month. In fact, this Pure version is so “cheap” that it dips below the price of a Volkswagen ID.3. Striking! Read more about Volkswagen’s SEPP bargain here:

Volkswagen ID.4 cheaper than ID.3: how can that be?

Dacia Spring

Can the amounts above really be called a bargain? Well, well if you look at what you get for it. But new cars, of course, remain expensive. Except at Dacia, of course. The cheapest electric car in the Netherlands is the Dacia Spring, with a starting price of 21,750 euros. Take off the subsidy amount, and you end up with 18,800 euros. Not crazy, for an all-electric car that can accommodate two adults, two children and 300 liters of luggage. With a maximum range of 225 kilometers and a slow charging rate, it is not a vacation car, but within the country it is more than enough for many Dutch people.