1,400 apply for Flemish electric car subsidy in just a few hours

The launch of subsidies for Flemish residents who purchase an electric car has been a successful one, with some 1,400 applications submitted just three hours after the opening of the online portal.

Most of the requests were from private individuals and concerned new cars, according to the mobility and public works department of the Flemish administration.

The submission rate has since stabilised and not all people who applied for a subsidy will receive one.

A number of applications do not meet the required conditions, have not been properly completed or have been the subject of a double application.

The bonus being offered amounts to €5,000 for a new car with a purchase price of up to €40,000, and €3,000 for a used car with an original catalogue value of up to €60,000.

People can claim a bonus for the purchase of a vehicle ordered on or after 25 September and registered no earlier than 1 January 2024.

Contrary to what had initially been announced, the bonus will only be available this year.

Passenger cars, vans and 'micro-cars' (category L7e-C) are eligible, provided they are zero-emission.

Used vehicles must have been on the road for at least three years and no more than eight. The portal includes a list of models that meet the criteria.