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How does the Euro 6e-bis standard impact your fleet and drivers?

Published on 19/11/2024

The Euro Standard has been in force in Europe since the 1990s. This standard establishes the environmental benchmarks that new vehicles must meet, aiming to make European mobility more sustainable. The more recent the vehicle, the stricter the standard, which is reflected in the increasing number after the Euro Standard. Cities with low-emission zones (LEZs) use this standard to determine which vehicles are permitted within the city limits.

 

From 1 January 2025, the Euro 6e-bis standard came into force. It focuses specifically on plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). From now on, new PHEV vehicles will undergo more stringent testing methods, resulting in more accurate CO₂ emission figures.

 

Conclusion: Plug-in hybrid vehicles are becoming less fiscally attractive. 

To which vehicles does this stricter Euro Standard apply?

The standard only applies to newly ordered Plug-In Hybrids, both to passenger cars as well as to light commercial vehicles*. The standard does not apply to fuel vehicles or all-electric vehicles.

 

If you already own a PHEV, its CO2 value will not be recalculated unless a re-homologation** occurs. The CO2 value on the vehicle’s certificate of conformity remains unchanged.

The standard was implemented in two stages in 2025

Since 1 January 2025, the Euro 6e-bis standard applies to all newly launched plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models and PHEV models that undergo homologation.

Car manufacturers will decide when to make their existing PHEV models (which they already offered before 1 January 2025) comply with the stricter standard. Manufacturers have until 31 December 2025 to comply. 

Plug-In Hybrids are becoming less fiscally attractive due to the stricter Euro Standard

When the Euro 6e-bis Standard is in force, PHEV models with emissions higher than 50g/km will - at the federal level - be assessed as a “Fake” PHEV. In this case, the maximum CO2 emissions must be used for the tax calculation. Specifically, it will be comparable to the non-electric version of the vehicle, or otherwise a factor of 2.5. As a result, besides an increase in the Benefit In Kind and CO2 contribution, you can expect a decrease in tax deductibility. 

 

There is also an impact on road tax in Flanders. It is determined according to CO2 emissions. If your vehicle is registered in a different region, this has no impact on your road tax. If you would like to know how this works at Alphabet, please contact us. 

 

Finally, the current regulations of tax deductibility remain in force. 

 

  • Fuel and PHEV vehicles ordered between 1 July 2023 and 31 December 2025 will still be deductible up to 75% in 2025. This tax deductibility decreases by 25% every year until these vehicles are no longer deductible in 2028. 
  • Fuel vehicles and PHEV vehicles ordered after 1 January 2026 are no longer tax deductible.

What does this mean for you and your drivers with a PHEV?

The model you choose and the production date of your PHEV are crucial.

 

If you choose a model that is due to be launched in 2025, it will automatically comply with the standard. This means that you will know the CO₂ value in advance. 

Standards will continue to become ever stricter

After the Euro 6e-bis Standard, there will be the Euro 6e-bis “FCM” Standard and the Euro 7 Standard:

Euro 6e-bis FCM Standard

The Euro 6e-bis FCM Standard includes a longer reference distance: Driving the vehicle 4,260 km instead of 2,200 km. This could have a further impact on the CO2 value and tax. This standard will start from 2027.

Euro 7 Standard

In addition to reducing emissions, Euro 7 Standard aims to reduce particulates and plastic particles released through tyre and brake wear. In all likelihood, the application of this standard is expected from 2030 onwards.

Do you want to order a plug-in hybrid vehicle in the near future? Follow these steps

Choose the Plug-In Hybrid vehicle that suits your needs.

Seek advice from the dealer regarding your chosen Plug-in Hybrid model, including when the standard will apply to your vehicle. Then you can order your vehicle with peace of mind.

Want to know more about your leasing options?

Would you like to learn more about leasing after reading this blog? Get in touch with us today to find out more, or click on the button below to discover our operational leasing options.

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*PHEV vehicles in class M1 (passenger cars), N1 (delivery vans) and N2 (trucks).

**An approval that takes place when a new vehicle model enters the market, a vehicle is imported from abroad, or when the vehicle is rebuilt.