The government set aside €71 million to subsidise the sale of new electric cars to the general public this year, but the budget has now been spent, the infrastructure ministry has confirmed.

In total, 22,000 people were able to benefit from a grant of €3,350 towards the cost of a cheaper electric car. The subsidy was available for vehicles with a minimum distance of 120 kilometres between charging and priced at up to €45,000.

Subsidies of €2,000 are also available for second hand electric cars and that fund, totalling €20.4 million, is not yet empty.

Junior infrastructure minister Vivianne Heijnen said the popularity of the scheme was a ‘good result’. However, she said, ‘the downside is that people who want to apply for a grant to buy a new electric car in the coming months will have to wait until next year.’

The subsidy scheme will be repeated in 2023 and 2024, although the state contribution towards a new electric car will be slightly less.