The Dutch government has set aside €52.4 million to subsidise the purchase of second-hand electric vehicles, offering up to €6,000 to lower- and middle-income buyers who scrap their petrol or diesel car. The scheme, announced by State Secretary Bertram of Infrastructure and Water Management, is intended to help households cope with high energy and fuel costs and keep more used electric cars — many of which are sold abroad after their lease period — on the Dutch market. However, ING transport economist Rico Luman notes that the subsidy is likely to benefit middle-income earners most, as lower-income groups often rely on public transport and may still face barriers such as vehicle taxes and the lack of home-charging facilities.