Why leasing an electric vehicle might be your best option in 2025
It's no secret that electric vehicles are still expensive, but the government has introduced several temporary subsidies and tax breaks to encourage their uptake. Polestar explains why these benefits make 2025 the best time to lease an electric car.
The Netherlands is a country that changes quickly - just like its weather. Governance and mobility taxes are evolving rapidly, and 2026 will bring regulatory changes that may affect you. Fortunately, 2025 isn’t over yet, and there is still time to take advantage of this year’s opportunities.
The Netherlands and the move toward greener mobility
The Netherlands has ambitious plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Over the past decade, to encourage this transition, the government has introduced tax benefits and exemptions to make electric vehicles more attractive. While the purchase price of an electric car is still higher than that of many petrol-powered models, leasing has become an increasingly popular way to make driving electric both affordable and practical.
What is leasing?
Leasing is an agreement that allows you to use a car for a fixed monthly fee over a set period, typically several years. That monthly payment often covers depreciation, insurance, road tax, and maintenance. For many expats, this can reduce the stress of unexpected costs while also making it easier to plan monthly expenses.
The tax benefits of leasing an EV in 2025
For drivers who use a company car in the Netherlands, one of the most important financial considerations is the bijtelling, or additional taxable income. This tax applies if you drive a company car for private purposes for more than 500 kilometres per year.
For petrol or diesel vehicles, the bijtelling rate is 22% of the list price. For electric vehicles, however, the government has offered reduced rates in recent years to make EVs more attractive. In 2025, the bijtelling for electric cars is 17% of the first €30.000 of the list price, with any amount above that taxed at the standard 22%. From 2026 onwards, the advantage disappears altogether, and the full 22% rate will apply to the entire list price, just as it does for petrol cars.
However, if you lease a company electric vehicle in 2025, the 17% rate will remain valid for five years, or 60 months, from the start of your contract. This means you can secure the lower tax rate and continue benefiting even after the government raises the rates in 2026.
Why leasing an EV makes sense in 2025
Whether you drive a company car or are considering a private lease, 2025 remains an especially good year to go electric. For company car drivers, leasing an EV this year means benefiting from the reduced 17% bijtelling rate for a further five years, a significant tax advantage before rates rise in 2026.
For private individuals, leasing continues to be a cost-effective and flexible way to access electric mobility. Electric vehicles are still generally more expensive to purchase than comparable petrol models, but leasing spreads that cost over time, giving drivers access to the latest technology without a large upfront investment.
Leasing also provides peace of mind. A single monthly payment typically includes maintenance, insurance, and road tax, eliminating unexpected expenses or administrative hassle. For newcomers and expats, this simplicity makes it easier to enjoy driving electric, as everything, from servicing to support, is handled through one single agreement.
Polestar, as part of the growing EV landscape, is committed to supporting drivers in making this transition. If you are considering your options, leasing could be the step that combines sustainability, practicality, and smart financial planning.