Let’s be honest: electric cars have been having a blast on Belgian roads in recent years, dodging that pesky road tax that’s been nagging the rest of us forever. But like any great party, the bill eventually lands. In Flanders, that moment is set for January 1, 2026. From then on, newly registered electric vehicles will have to pay taxes—both the one-time registration tax (BIV) and the annual road tax. And before you cancel your Tesla order, hear me out: it’s not the end of the world, and definitely not the end of the electric revolution.
First, let’s get the facts straight, because nothing’s more tedious than half-truths. Until the end of 2025, all electric cars already registered remain fully exempt from the annual road tax. So, if you’re cruising in a silent, emission-free machine right now, nothing changes. You keep enjoying that sweet tax break the government handed out to nudge us toward greener pastures. And what a success it’s been: from just 1,390 electric cars in 2015 to over 132,000 today. The roads are getting quieter, the air cleaner, and batteries charge faster than you can say “subsidy.”
But why the change? Simple: the treasury’s feeling the pinch. All those exemptions have cut into the funds for road maintenance, and nobody wants potholes on the highway because we got too excited about going electric. Flemish Minister Ben Weyts played it smart in the coalition agreement: the exemption vanishes for new registrations, but the rates stay low enough to keep things friendly. Take the BIV, that one-time registration tax—it’s a flat €61.50, no matter how powerful your EV is. Even for a beast with hundreds of horsepower, you won’t pay more. And the annual road tax? That ranges from €69.72 to €87.24, depending on the model. Compare that to an old-school gas guzzler, which easily coughs up double or more. It’s a slap on the wrist, not a knockout punch.
Of course, the critics are grumbling. Some call it a brake on the shift to sustainable driving; others say it’s inevitable. I say: look at the bigger picture. Electric cars remain by far the smartest choice. They’re cheaper to run—think low charging costs and minimal maintenance—and they emit nothing while you drive. In a world where cities like Brussels and Antwerp are rolling out stricter low-emission zones, an EV isn’t just nice to have; it’s a must. And let’s not forget: hydrogen cars keep their exemption, but honestly, who wants to refuel with something rarer than a parking spot in the city center?
Wallonia and Brussels? They’re dancing to their own tune. In Wallonia, you already pay a minimum tax for EVs, around €102.96, but it’s unclear if they’ll follow Flanders’ lead. Brussels sticks to a low tax based on power. But in Flanders, where innovation thrives, the focus stays on affordable green driving. This is an adjustment that restores balance without slowing the momentum.
Ultimately, this news is a reminder that electric cars are growing up. They no longer need to be coddled with full exemptions; they can stand on their own wheels. And that’s good news, because it means they’ve gone mainstream. So, if you’re thinking about making the switch, don’t wait too long. The benefits stack up: lower running costs, a smooth ride without the roar, and that smug grin as you glide past a gas station.
For those ready to take the plunge, check out our marketplace where you can search for and buy 100% electric cars. Explore the range here: https://volty.be/nl/buy/cars/overview/.
