Electric car trip registration: mandatory and how does it work?
Do you have a company electric car? Then one thing is certain for you: Trip logging for an electric car is simply mandatory.Just like with a petrol or diesel car, you must be able to demonstrate whether you use the car for private purposes for more or less than 500 kilometers per year. In this article, you will read exactly what the Tax Authorities expect and how to handle this smartly.
Is logging journeys mandatory for an electric car?
Yes, mileage logging is also mandatory for a company electric car if you want to avoid the taxable benefit. The Tax and Customs Administration makes no distinction between fuel typesThe tax rules apply to every company car – including a fully electric vehicle.
The reasoning is simple: if you have a company car and drive it more than 500 kilometers privately per year, the Tax and Customs Administration considers this a wage benefit. You pay tax on that benefit via the additionIf you do not want that, you must prove that you stay below that 500 km – and you provide that proof with a conclusive trip log.
What must be included in a mileage log for an electric car?
The Tax and Customs Administration sets clear requirements for a valid mileage log. For each trip, you must record at least:
- Date of the ride
- Starting score and final score of the mileage
- Start address and end address
- Purpose of the trip: business or private
- Route: if you take a detour compared to the shortest route
Important: you may not omit any trips; commuting must also be registered (this counts as private use for the taxable benefit).
Keep track of trips manually or automatically?
You can keep a log of your journeys using a paper driving diary, an app, or an automated system. In practice, keeping records manually is time-consuming and prone to errors for most business drivers. If you forget to enter a single trip, or if an address is incorrect, the Tax and Customs Administration may reject the registration.
That risk is easy to avoid. The TrackJack PRO Tax, A GPS tracker in the car automatically records every trip. You literally do nothing – the tracker automatically records start, stop, route, and mileage. Via the TrackJack app, you can easily categorize business and private trips, and at the end of the year, you print a fully tax-approved trip report.
Have a look at trip registration solutions from TrackJack for an overview of all options.
Does a GPS trip log also work in an electric car?
Absolutely. GPS trackers work independently of the type of drive. TrackJack systems draw power from the car's battery and work just as well in a fully electric car as in a traditional fuel car. Whether you drive a Tesla, a BMW iX, a Polestar, or a Renault Zoe – tracking works seamlessly.
Do you want to know more about the technical side? Read our article about the GPS tracker for electric car.
Trip logging for commuting in an electric car
A frequently asked question: does commuting count as private or business for mileage logs? The answer: commuting counts as business mileage for the tax addition rule.
What if you don't have a mileage log?
Do you drive a company electric car without keeping a mileage log? Then the Tax and Customs Administration automatically assumes that you drive more than 500 km privately. This means you owe a taxable benefit – and if this has not been declared, you run the risk of a additional assessment with fine.
With TrackJack, you are always covered. You drive, the tracker records, and you always have a watertight file ready.
Frequently asked questions about electric car trip logging
Do I also have to keep a log of my journeys if I pay car tax?
If you pay car benefit tax, strictly speaking you do not need to keep a mileage log. However, it can still be smart to do so: if you can later prove that you were indeed under 500 km, you can reclaim the car benefit tax. Moreover, you will always have proof if the Tax Authorities ask questions.
Can I use a mileage tracking app instead of a tracker?
Yes, an app is allowed – but keep in mind that your phone must always be with you and the app must always be running. If you forget to turn on the app, you will miss rides. A GPS tracker such as TrackJack registers automatically, without you having to do anything.
How long do I have to keep a mileage log?
The Tax and Customs Administration enforces a retention obligation of 7 years for business administration, including trip logs. TrackJack securely stores your trip data in the cloud, so you always have access to your historical data.
Do you want to automate trip logging for your electric car? Request a free quote or view our trip registration solutions for entrepreneurs and vehicle fleets.