Breakthrough in electric car sales to private individuals coming next year: Travelers' assoc.

The sale of electric cars to private individuals will see a breakthrough in the coming year, according to a study by travelers' association ANWB. 58 percent of individuals in the Netherlands plan to eventually switch to an electric car, and 5 percent want to do so next year, the ANWB found, the Telegraaf reports.

"It is striking that the lower income classes now also want to switch to electric", Marco van Eenennaam of the ANWB said to the Telegraaf. "Until now, only corporate drivers and higher income groups were interested."

The government's climate plans will make electric driving more attractive to private consumers in the coming year. Not only businesses, but also private individuals will be eligible for a subsidy for the purchase of an electric car from next year. What this subsidy entails, is not yet clear. "In addition, many private individuals do not yet know that the electric car is exempt from the motor vehicle tax", Van Eenennaam said. "This will increase the demand even more."

Manufacturers will also present cheaper models in the coming period, ranging from 25 thousand to 45 thousand euros, the ANWB expects. At some point next year, electric cars will cost the same as petrol-powered models, according to the association.