Let’s fire up the engine and dive into the wild world of plug-in hybrids, where the Belgian government has rolled out a fresh set of rules that’ll prod both your wallet and your conscience. This isn’t some dull tax lecture—it’s a joyride through the terrain of fiscal perks, CO2 standards, and cars that think they’re half electric, half fossil-fueled. Strap in, because it’s going to be a wild one.
The plug-in hybrid, or PHEV to its mates, is a bit like a mullet: electric up front, petrol or diesel at the back. For years, it was the darling of the Belgian company car market. Why? Because a PHEV let you flaunt a low CO2 output on paper while still unleashing a V6 roar when no one was looking. But the taxman started squinting. That low emission figure? Often pure fantasy, as plenty of drivers forgot to plug their cars in altogether. Result: the PHEV got slapped with fiscal handcuffs, with deductions dropping faster than the resale value of an old SUV.
Hold on, though! The government’s thrown in a plot twist. Instead of banishing PHEVs to the scrapyard, they’ve been granted a stay of execution. Until 2029, fiscal deductibility lives on, and that’s a win for anyone not quite ready to go full electric. Picture this: you’re a freelancer who loves a meaty engine but doesn’t want to get hammered by taxes. The new rules toss you a lifeline. From 2026, the maximum deduction holds at 75% until the end of 2027, slips to 65% in 2028, and settles at a still-decent 57.5% in 2029. Best part? That rate sticks as long as you keep the car. No more deductions shrinking yearly like a cheap jumper.
Now, here’s the catch, and it’s called Euro 6e-bis. From January 1, 2026, new plug-in hybrids have to meet this tougher standard, which measures CO2 emissions more realistically. Before, a PHEV with under 50 g/km could strut about like a “proper” hybrid, but that bar’s jumping to 75 g/km. Why? Because Europe’s clocked that many PHEVs churn out more emissions in real life than a knackered old diesel on a bad day. The new testing method can double or even triple CO2 figures. A BMW X1 clocking 45 g/km today? It could leap to 96 g/km. And that’s trouble, because higher emissions mean slimmer tax breaks.
But let’s not get too gloomy. For those who pick wisely, the PHEV remains a clever middle ground. The electricity costs for these cars follow the same rules as full EVs: 100% in 2026, 95% in 2027, and 82.5% in 2028. Fossil fuels? They’re capped at 50% deduction until the end of 2027, then it’s curtains. And for the diehards: PHEVs with emissions below 50 g/km get a bonus until the end of 2027. If the deduction formula spits out a figure higher than 75%, you can use that instead. It’s like getting an extra pint at the pub just for asking nicely.
So, what’s the deal for the average driver? If you’ve got a company car and your boss isn’t keen on installing a charger in the backyard, the PHEV’s still a practical pick. You get the perks of electric driving—assuming you plug it in—without the dread of a flat battery on a long haul. But you’d better move fast. The rules for cars ordered before July 1, 2023, were even sweeter, and the transition period between now and 2026 is a murky mess no one’s fully cracked yet. What’s crystal clear is that after 2028, the tax party for fossil fuels is well and truly over.
The car industry? It’s cheering and grumbling in equal measure. Some brands, like Mercedes with their 100 km electric range, are rubbing their hands with glee. Others worry the stricter rules will knock their models off the “approved” PHEV list. Then there’s the leasing sector, sighing under the weight of uncertainty. “Keep it simple!” they cry, while trying to guess whether companies will flock back to hybrids or charge headlong into full electric.
So, what’s the takeaway? The plug-in hybrid isn’t dead, but it’s dancing on a tightrope. It’s a car for those who love a compromise: a bit green, a bit growly, and a hefty dollop of tax relief. But you’ve got to do your homework. Pick a low-emission model, plug it in like your life depends on it, and enjoy the ride while it lasts. Because come 2029? This tax-friendly middle path will likely be history.
For those itching to snag the perfect plug-in hybrid, check out our marketplace. At Volty, you’ll find a wide range of cars to browse and buy, from plug-ins to proper petrol-guzzlers. Head to https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/ and find your next ride!
