THE HAGUE, April 14 (Xinhua) -- Vehicle electrification is accelerating in the Netherlands, with electric models accounting for a growing share of both the country's car fleet and new vehicle sales.
The Netherlands had 9.4 million passenger cars in early 2026, nearly 2 percent more than a year earlier, with the increase driven entirely by electric vehicles. Fully electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars together exceeded 2 million units, up nearly 6 percent year-on-year, according to data released earlier this month by Statistics Netherlands (CBS).
The data showed that 85.6 percent of new cars sold in 2025 had an electric motor, compared with 11.5 percent in 2018. Over the same period, the share of gasoline-powered cars fell from 75.1 percent to 13 percent, while diesel cars dropped to just 1 percent.
Government incentives have supported the transition. The Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) said reduced motor vehicle taxes for electric and hydrogen cars will remain in place through 2030, although exemptions for electric vehicles are being gradually phased out.
Infrastructure expansion has also contributed to growth. As of March 2026, the Netherlands had 215,845 public and private charging points, up 3 percent from the end of 2025, according to the RVO.
Rising oil prices, driven mainly by conflicts in the Middle East, have further encouraged consumers to shift toward electric vehicles. Data from Dutch car comparison platform Gaspedaal.nl showed that since March 1, interest in petrol and diesel used cars has declined, while demand for second-hand electric vehicles has increased significantly.
"A notable shift is underway," Gaspedaal.nl said in early March. "With rising fuel prices and the absence of new excise tax cuts, electric vehicles have become more attractive."
However, the rapid pace of electrification also presents challenges. Growing demand for charging is putting pressure on the electricity grid, automotive expert Bart van Osch said.
"If the Netherlands were to switch entirely to electric driving in a short period, the power grid could face severe strain for years," Dutch public broadcaster NOS quoted van Osch as saying recently.
