On the first day, the Flemish government’s e-counter opened to apply for a premium for a new or second-hand zero-emission vehicle; 1,423 applications were submitted in the first three hours. Most applications are about new cars. Flemish Minister of Mobility and Public Works Lydia Peeters (Open VLD) responds satisfactorily.

Of the more than 1 400 applications, 1,346 are from citizens, 48 from car-sharing systems for 64 vehicles, and six non-profit organizations and foundations have registered 13 vehicles. Not all these applications will result in a premium, as several applications will not meet the conditions, have not been filled properly, or have been applied for twice.

You will have to apply via the web application on the Flemish government’s website within 90 days of the signing of the vehicle sale agreement to claim the premium of 5,000 euros for newly purchased cars and 3,000 for second-hand cars.

Once the rules for the premium have been published in the Bulletin of Acts, you can proceed to step two: delivering the necessary documents, such as a copy of the invoice and proof of payment, within 90 days of registration. The premium will be paid out between three and eight working days after the approval of the application.

Budget adjustment soon?

“The number of applications shows that it was important that the e-counter could open as soon as possible and there was clarity,” says Lydia Peeters. “It is also good that, besides private individuals, quite a few car-sharing systems have already applied. Car-sharing companies will be important in realizing the modal shift in the coming years.”

The EV premium, suitable for a budget of 20 million euros but only for 2024, was approved by the Flemish government last Friday after a lot of tug-of-war. However, there is a good chance that the 20 million might not be enough.

The applications for 1,423 vehicles submitted in the first three hours yesterday add up to 6,78 million euros. Or already almost a third of the amount provided. There will be a budget adjustment if the 20 million is not enough.

In principle, a private individual can only benefit from the premium once. Still, the newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws points out that leasing drivers and self-employed people can pass through the government’s checkout twice: first, through the favorable tax regime of leasing with purchase option/transfer of the car from the company to the private capital and then by applying for the premium. However, the transaction must always go through an official dealer.