Zero-emission zones in the Netherlands: 2025, 2027 and later?

From 2025 onwards, Dutch municipalities will have the opportunity to set up areas where only delivery vans and lorries will be able to drive emission-free. The Dutch government now offers clarity about the implementation of the climate agreement. State Secretary Van Veldhoven has reached an agreement with stakeholders from the transport sector, business associations, and municipalities. Fiscal advantages and subsidies are available for the switch to a clean van or truck.

State Secretary Van Veldhoven: “Several municipalities would like to introduce a zero-emission zone for urban logistics from 2025. That is a good thing for the climate and our lungs. I think it is very important that we manage this transition together. Many companies are in dire straits. That’s why I think it’s especially important that we meet them when they switch to a clean van or truck. By making national agreements now, there is clarity and time for entrepreneurs and municipalities to prepare”.

In the climate agreement, it has been agreed that from 2025 30 to 40 larger cities will introduce zero-emission zones for city logistics. Cities will be able to introduce zero-emission zones from 1 January 2025. The condition is that they announce this at least four years in advance. New vans or trucks registered after 2025 will have to drive emission-free to get into these city. Companies who have to be in such a zone and who still have a diesel van or truck (in the light of the corona crisis) can wait until 2027. In 2027 the transition phase for vans will end (at the end of 2029 for trucks).

Companies still buying a new van with an internal combustion engine today have access to the zero-emission zone for more than 7 years. After that, no more. Private individuals with a van or lorry can obtain an exemption from the municipality. The question is whether this also includes self-employed companies. This also applies to certain categories of vehicles for which a good emission-free alternative is not yet available.

Chairman of Dutch evofenedex Steven Lak: “It’s good that all parties involved are paying attention to the position of entrepreneurs with their own delivery vans. With the transitional arrangement they can make the switch in a way that is also realistic for their business operations, and that is very important to me”.

The government wants to compensate companies for the purchase costs, which are now higher for a zero-emission van or truck. Companies may be eligible for a subsidy between 2021 and 2025. There are also subsidies for trucks. In addition, there are tax schemes that make investing in clean vehicles cheaper.

Source: Dutch government