Diesel trauma obstacle to EV acceptance in Belgium

Belgian mobility organisation VAB did a survey in which it asked people how their next car would be powered. The result was eye-opening: only 17% consider buying an electric car, in large part because they do not trust the government's fiscal policies.

No diesel

A mere 10% of people still consider buying a new diesel vehicle, the study shows. In 2016, this was 16%. Petrol gained popularity, going from 39% in 2016 to 48% today.

No trust

Respondents picking an electric option increased from 14% to 17%. "People don't trust the government's fiscal policy," said Maarten Matienko, VAB. "Taxes for diesel vehicles have gone up and they will be banned from the centres of Antwerp and Ghent starting in 2020. Electric cars have fiscal benefits, but how will that evolve in the future?"

65% of people surveyed said being unsure whether the current fiscal advantages for EVs will go on in the future. This uncertainty, coupled with the "diesel trauma" are an obstacle to growth for the share of electric vehicles.

Traditional obstacles for EVs like higher purchase prices, limited charging infrastructure and range anxiety also play a role. "These obstacles can be expected to disappear in the next 5 to 10 years," said Mr Matienko.

Mr Matienko believes a more reliable fiscal policy is needed to boost the uptake of EVs.

No worries

Private people's mistrust isn't shared by Geert Behets, head of global travel, meetings & fleet management at UCB Pharma, who said: "The only mistrust I notice is indeed people being afraid they won't have access to enough charging stations, leading them to be immobilised."

His company is actively promoting electric vehicles as part of the Carbon Neutral by 2030 programme, aiming for a full electric fleet by 2030. UCB offers charging stations at workers' homes and they can use alternative cars for longer trips.

Ronny Van den Driesch, Audit & Vehicle Manager, Carglass® Belux, is also unfazed about the prospect of changes in fiscal policies: "We keep an eye on fiscal policies but they don't determine our fleet choices."

In practice, his company still relies on diesel-powered vehicles. "On average, our cars drive 30,000km per year, so petrol isn't an option and electric vehicles don't offer the range we need. We would transition to a more environmentally-friendly option if it offered what we require." Mr Van den Driesch also points out the EV offer remains very limited. Instead, Carglass® Belux does include CNG cars in its fleet.

Image: Tesla Model S at the Brussels Motor Show