The question of how much subsidy you can receive for an electric truck is highly relevant for businesses in transport, logistics, and construction. That is understandable. Electric driving requires a substantial investment, while margins in these sectors are under pressure from rising fuel prices, stricter environmental regulations, and staff shortages. At the same time, the government is actively encouraging the shift to zero-emission transport. Not through one simple scheme, but through a combination of subsidies, tax advantages, and regional incentives. As a result, the answer to how much subsidy you receive is never a fixed amount, but always depends on your situation, vehicle type, and timing. On this page, you get clear and concrete insight into which subsidies are available for electric trucks, how high they can be, and what you need to take into account in practice. No general talk, but an explanation from the perspective of a business owner who wants to know what is actually possible, where opportunities lie, and which choices impact the total business case.

Which subsidies are available for electric trucks in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands, there is no separate “one-stop” subsidy for electric trucks. Instead, the government uses a combination of schemes that together make purchase and deployment financially more attractive. The main national scheme is the AanZET subsidy, specifically intended for zero-emission trucks in heavier vehicle categories. This scheme focuses on N2 and N3 vehicles and reimburses part of the additional cost compared with a diesel variant. This is important, because that price difference is the main barrier for many businesses.

In addition to AanZET, tax schemes play a major role. Think of the Environmental Investment Allowance (MIA) and Random Depreciation of Environmental Investments (Vamil). These schemes do not directly reduce the purchase price, but they reduce your tax burden and allow faster depreciation. You see this effect in liquidity and total costs over multiple years. Exemption from motor vehicle tax and lower energy and maintenance costs are also indirectly part of the subsidy picture, although they are often overlooked in discussions about “how much subsidy.”

At local and regional level, there are additional funds, for example from provinces or municipalities that want to accelerate the introduction of zero-emission zones. These subsidies are often temporary, limited in availability, and strongly location-dependent. They are regularly overlooked, while in some cases they make the difference between investing or not investing. That is why it is always worthwhile to look beyond national schemes alone and map out the full financial landscape.

How much is the AanZET subsidy per electric truck?

For many businesses, the AanZET subsidy is the most tangible scheme because it is directly linked to purchasing an electric truck. The amount is determined based on vehicle type and the purchase price difference between an electric and a diesel truck. This means the subsidy is not a fixed amount, but a percentage of the additional cost. For small and medium-sized enterprises, that percentage is higher than for large companies, because the government wants to provide extra stimulation to this group.

In practice, the AanZET subsidy can amount to tens of thousands of euros per vehicle. For heavy electric trucks with a large price gap compared with diesel, the benefit can be substantial. At the same time, there is always a maximum amount per vehicle and a total budget per subsidy round. This makes timing crucial. Subsidy rounds are often oversubscribed quickly and work on a first come, first served basis. Businesses that only start exploring when the scheme opens often miss out.

It is also important that the subsidy applies only to new vehicles and that you must apply in advance. Applying afterward is not possible. In addition, there are obligations regarding use and retention of the vehicle. You must deploy the truck in the Netherlands for a certain period and cannot simply resell it. These conditions are logical from a policy perspective, but they must be included in your investment planning and contractual agreements with clients.

Tax advantages that further increase the subsidy effect

Where many businesses stop at direct subsidy, real optimization starts with tax advantages. MIA and Vamil together can make a significant difference in the total cost of an electric truck. With MIA, you may deduct an additional percentage of the investment amount from profit, on top of regular depreciation. This reduces corporate income tax or personal income tax payable. Vamil gives you the option to decide when you depreciate, which is especially relevant if you want to free up liquidity in the first years.

The effect of these schemes differs by company. A profitable business gains more benefit than a business operating at a loss. The combination with other investments also plays a role. That is why it is important not to assess these schemes in isolation, but in relation to your overall tax position. In many cases, the net benefit from tax schemes is at least as large as the direct purchase subsidy.

There are also structural benefits such as exemption from motor vehicle tax and lower energy costs per kilometer. Especially with intensive use in urban distribution or fixed routes, this can save thousands of euros annually. These savings are often underestimated, but they are essential for a realistic comparison between electric and diesel over the full vehicle lifetime.

The role of charging infrastructure and energy storage in the subsidy case

The subsidy for an electric truck is not separate from how you plan to charge the vehicle. For many companies, charging infrastructure is now a bigger challenge than the vehicle itself. Grid congestion, limited connection capacity, and high peak loads make it difficult to charge multiple trucks at the same time. This is exactly where energy storage comes into view as a strategic solution. By using energy storage effectively, you can buffer generated or cheaply purchased electricity and deploy it when needed, without additional grid reinforcement.

When you invest in an electric truck and the associated infrastructure, a broader business case emerges in which subsidies, tax advantages, and operational savings come together. In some situations, additional schemes are available for charging facilities and storage, especially when they contribute to grid relief or more sustainable business processes. Combining vehicle subsidies with investments in energy storage requires an integrated approach, looking beyond the truck’s purchase price alone.

By integrating energy storage intelligently into your charging strategy, you not only increase the usability of electric trucks, but also reduce the risk of downtime and unexpected costs. This makes the total investment more robust and future-proof, especially in a market where regulation and energy rates continue to change.

How do you determine how much subsidy you can actually receive?

The question of how much subsidy you receive for an electric truck is ultimately tailored work. It depends on factors such as the size of your business, vehicle type, application timing, and how you deploy the truck. The combination with tax schemes and infrastructure investments also plays a major role. That is why it is wise to look not only at maximum subsidy amounts, but at the net effect on your business over multiple years.

A good approach starts with a clear picture of your current cost structure. What do you currently pay per kilometer, per vehicle, and per year? Then compare this with the electric variant, including subsidy, tax advantages, energy use, and maintenance. Only then does it become clear whether and when the investment pays back. In many cases, electric trucks are especially attractive on fixed routes, in urban areas, and with long-term deployment.

By making this analysis in advance, you avoid disappointment and make optimal use of available schemes. The government is steering increasingly explicitly toward emission-free transport. This means subsidies will likely change or decrease in the future, while obligations increase. Those who invest strategically now and use subsidies effectively build an advantage that pays off later.

Frequently asked questions

What is the maximum subsidy for an electric truck?
The maximum subsidy consists of a combination of the AanZET subsidy and tax advantages. The exact amount differs by vehicle and business, but in practice can amount to tens of thousands of euros per truck.

Can I receive subsidy for a second-hand electric truck?
No, most subsidies apply only to new electric trucks. There are currently no national schemes available for used vehicles.

Does the subsidy also apply to lease structures?
Yes, in some cases subsidy is possible with financial lease, provided you as the entrepreneur are the economic owner of the vehicle. Operational lease usually falls outside these schemes.

When do I need to apply for the subsidy?
The application must always be submitted before the final purchase. Applying afterward is not possible, which makes timing essential.

Can subsidies be combined?
Yes, direct subsidies such as AanZET can be combined with tax schemes such as MIA and Vamil, as long as you meet the conditions of all schemes.

What happens if I sell the truck earlier?
In case of early sale, part of the subsidy may be reclaimed. A minimum usage period applies during which you must meet the conditions.

Does my location affect the subsidy?
Yes, regional schemes and zero-emission zones can affect both the level of benefit and the necessity of driving electric.