Answers to frequently asked questions.

CO₂ savings

How big is the problem actually?

  • Transport (excluding flights) accounts for 22% of the average household's emissions.

  • 4 tonnes of CO₂ out of a total of 18.5 tonnes per year.

  • Within transport, the car is responsible for 95% of emissions (alongside cycling and public transport).

  • Transport/cars, together with food and drink (also 22%), is the single largest CO₂ category in a household.

  • Flying, by comparison, accounts for just 9% of emissions.

  • In short, a car is one of the biggest CO₂ sources in a household, which means switching it is also one of the most impactful things you can do personally.

  • Switching from fossil fuel to electric will minimise emissions, but the transition is slow: only 6% of passenger cars in the Netherlands are fully electric. And what about the CO₂ involved in producing a new electric car? Or the fact that the next owner of your old car will just keep driving it polluting? Is there a way to actually solve the problem?

How much CO₂ do I save by converting a car to electric?

  • With Greentimer, you turn an existing car green that would otherwise have kept driving polluting for years to come.

  • We drive an average of 15,000 km per year.

  • A petrol car in the D segment between 10 and 20 years old gets roughly 11 km per litre.

  • Including production, each litre of petrol releases 3,140 g of CO₂ when burned.

  • For electric driving, we assume 100% green electricity, so 0 CO₂ emissions. Currently, 70% of electric drivers charge at home, 80% have solar panels, and fast charging is already 100% green in most cases.

  • Per car, we save 4.3 tonnes of CO₂ per year (15,000/11 x 3.14/1,000). For an XC90 (E segment), that figure is even higher.

  • We convert cars that are on average 15 years old. The average scrappage age is 20 years. We conservatively assume the car would have kept running polluting for at least another 5 years. The conversion prevents that.

How much CO₂ do I save through extended lifespan?

  • The lifespan extension is 15 years: the new lifespan of 20 years (see conversion/specs section) minus the 5 years the car would have lasted anyway.

  • This means 0.75 new electric cars do not need to be produced (15/20 years worth of a new electric vehicle's lifespan).

  • A new electric car costs an average of 20 tonnes of CO₂: 15 tonnes for the car and 5 tonnes for the battery pack, based on the average of the LCAs for the Volvo C40, Polestar 2, Tesla 3, and Audi Q4.

  • We use second-hand motors in the conversion. For the remaining electric pumps, peripherals, and wiring, we account for a maximum of 1 tonne of CO₂ based on weight.

  • We use second-hand batteries and that will always be the starting point. But even if we used new batteries, the saving would still be 14 tonnes of CO₂ per car (20-1-5).

  • Total saving: 0.75 x 14/19 tCO₂ = 11 to 15 tCO₂.

How much CO₂ does a Greentimer save compared to other initiatives?

  • The CO₂ saving from circular electric driving is greater than all of Milieucentraal's defined Climate Actions combined.

  • It is one of the single most impactful things you can do to reduce your CO₂ footprint.

  • Circular electrification: -2,300 (up to -3,100) kg CO₂ per year on average (based on Milieucentraal's methodology).

Milieucentraal Climate Actions (kg CO₂ per year):

  • Insulating a corner house: -2,000 (corner house, 2 persons)

  • Halving car use in favour of cycling: -1,000 (per car)

  • Going from nothing to smart energy saving: -600 (corner house, 2 persons)

  • Going from 6 to 1 meat meal per week: -530 (per person)

  • Replacing a flight with train or bus: -400 (per 2 persons)

  • Reducing consumption significantly: -350 (per person)

Note: car sharing or not driving at all are not included here, but are of course also highly impactful options.

Financing

How is Greentimer financed?

  • Greentimer is co-financed by the European Union, the RVO, and the Municipality of Amsterdam.

Costs

What does a conversion cost?

  • It depends on several factors, including the battery pack, the current phase of scaling, and any additional options.

  • As a guideline: €30,000 ex VAT for a 55 kWh battery pack and €35,000 ex VAT for an 82 kWh battery pack.

  • For a specific offer, request a quote.

  • Prices will come down as battery costs fall and volumes increase.

  • If you depreciate this investment over 5 years to a 50% residual value at an interest rate of 8%, the monthly conversion cost comes to €350 to €425 per month.

  • Roughly the same amount as you save on fuel, road tax, and maintenance compared to a petrol or diesel car.

  • And roughly the same investment as a comparable second-hand electric car, but significantly cheaper than a comparable new electric vehicle.

  • Compared to second-hand electric, also considerably more favourable in terms of benefit-in-kind, thanks to the youngtimer scheme.

Is it possible to finance a Greentimer through leasing or a loan?

  • Yes, we work with DTC Lease, among others. They know our product and can make you an offer on request.

  • Business customers can lease an already-converted car through financial lease. A conversion can be financed through a loan.

  • Private individuals can finance both a conversion and the purchase of an already-converted Greentimer with a loan.

  • Loans and leases will not take the residual value into account. The monthly payment will therefore be higher than the figures above, as the residual value is effectively being saved up. After selling the car, that residual value is fully yours.

Will the 'Youngtimer regeling; continue to exist

  • Yes, it seems like it

  • Earlier the plan was to change the 'Youngtimer regeling' in 2027 from 15 to 17 years old.

  • But the initiator changed his mind and announced that he will raise a "motie' to fix the latest Youngtimer to the year 2011 or 2012. Possibly the 'bijtelling percentage' will be slighly from 35% to lets say 40%.

  • Under the youngtimer scheme, you pay 35% 'bijtelling' on the economic value (WEV) instead of 22% on the catalogue value for newer cars. This can save hundreds of euros per month.

  • The electric 'bijtelling' discount also applies to Greentimer. In 2026 this is 4%, and in 2027 it is 2%.

  • The WEV will average around €10,000 per year. In the first year it will likely be around €15,000, but this can be depreciated at an accelerated rate.

  • We recommend having the WEV assessed at WEVtaxaties.nl.

Note: the youngtimer scheme is specific to the Netherlands. For questions about the tax situation in your country, please get in touch.

Besides the 'Youngtimer scheme' are there any other Dutch tax benefits?

Ja for sure:

  • You can book the majority of the conversion cost directly the rest you can depreciate

  • VAT can de deducted

  • With a BV you don't pay 'pseudo eindheffing'

  • You can benefit from discount on bijtelling because you drive electric. In 2026 this is 4% and in 2027 2%. Possibly this will be extended

  • You can benefit from discount on road tax

Do you have an example calculation of total monthly costs per option?

Assumptions:

  • Calculation and most data based on TCO/RVO or ANWB

  • Depreciation and interest: based on 50% over 5 years at 8% interest

  • Based on an average of 15,000 km per year

Private

Petrol XC90 (2000-2014)

  • Fuel costs: consumption approximately 1 litre per 8 km, average petrol price of €2.30/litre over 5 years. Total: €360/month.

  • Maintenance: estimated at €1,250/year = €104/month.

  • Road tax: €123/month, based on 2,040 kg in Noord-Holland.

  • Depreciation and interest on car: based on €7,500 = €90/month.

  • Insurance: €82.50/month on average (TCO/RVO). Can be lower depending on coverage and claim-free years.

  • Total: €759/month

Greentimer XC90 (2000-2014)

  • Depreciation and interest on conversion costs: approximately €390 (ex VAT)/month depending on battery pack. Including VAT: €470/month. Additional options have limited cost impact.

  • Depreciation and interest on car to be converted (€5,000): €60/month. Slightly lower than the €7,500 used for petrol, as diesel cars or cars with engine or gearbox issues are often considerably cheaper.

  • Energy costs: approximately €0.23/kWh (based on 100% home charging, no solar panels, no smart charging, no dynamic tariff). Consumption approximately 1 kWh per 4 km. Based on 15,000 km/year = €72/month.

  • Maintenance: 25% higher than new electric (based on TCO/RVO) = €500/year = €42/month.

  • Road tax: with the 30% discount, average road tax over the next 4 years (large battery pack) = €100/month. Small pack: €88/month.

  • Insurance: same.

  • Total: €825/month

Used electric car (example: Tesla Model X or Y)

  • Depreciation and interest: based on €38,000 = €454/month.

  • Energy costs: approximately 1 kWh per 6 km = €48/month.

  • Maintenance: same as Greentimer = €42/month.

  • Road tax: €86/month.

  • Insurance: same.

  • Total: €712/month

New electric car (example: Volvo EX90)

  • Depreciation and interest: based on €83,500 = €997/month.

  • Energy costs: approximately 1 kWh per 4.5 km = €64/month.

  • Maintenance: €34/month (based on TCO/RVO).

  • Road tax: €113/month.

  • Insurance: same.

  • Total: €1,291/month

Total monthly costs:

  • Petrol XC90: €759

  • Greentimer XC90: €825

  • Used electric: €712

  • New electric: €1,291

Business

  • When a car is purchased through a business, all costs can be deducted, including 100% depreciation and VAT. The VAT deduction makes Greentimer €60 to €85 per month cheaper, as VAT generally does not apply to most second-hand (electric) cars.

With the youngtimer scheme, the 'bijtelling' is considerably more favourable compared to used or new electric

Net 'bijtelling' per month, based on tax bracket 2:

  • Petrol XC90: €72 (based on €5,000 WEV)

  • Greentimer XC90: €144 (based on €10,000 WEV)

  • Used electric: €454 (based on €50,000 catalogue value)

  • New electric: €758 (based on €83,500 catalogue value)

Including all tax benefits, net monthly business costs are approximately:

  • Petrol XC90: €411

  • Greentimer XC90: €393

  • Used electric: €689

  • New electric: €1,013

This makes Greentimer a very compelling financial choice as well.

Note: the tax benefits and benefit-in-kind rules mentioned are specific to the Netherlands. For questions about the situation in your country, please get in touch.

Can I derive any rights from the costs mentioned?

  • No. The monthly costs and conversion investment figures are starting prices and may vary over time and per situation. The quote you request is the binding reference.

  • The costs for other options are also our best estimates.

  • We have followed the RVO's Total Cost of Ownership model as closely as possible for the monthly cost calculations.

  • If you have questions about specific items or assumptions, please let us know.

What are the options and what do they cost approximately?

  • A new display costs approximately €500 ex VAT, with installation costing roughly the same. A reversing camera can also be added at minimal extra cost.

  • In many cases we can also upgrade the existing screen. Costs will be slightly higher and functionality and reliability slightly lower, but the CO₂ impact is also a bit lower.

  • Upholstery can be repaired or (partly) renewed in collaboration with MB Custom Seats. Costs range from €150 ex VAT per seat for respraying, from €200 for repair, and €700 for fully new leather upholstery. Costs for (dis)assembly and transport of the seats are additional.

  • For a pedestrian warning sound system, we work with Maxhaust. The system costs approximately €1,250 ex VAT, with installation costs of around €500 on top.

How much will road tax be?

  • Up to and including 2028, electric cars receive a 30% discount. In 2029 this reduces to 25%.

  • For diesel cars this can make a difference of around €125/month on average, and around €40/month for petrol cars.

  • Road tax is calculated based on weight, varies slightly by province, and the rate for an electric car is the same as for a petrol car, discounts aside.

  • The registration is converted to electric, making the Greentimer an electric vehicle.

  • Road tax for a petrol XC90 of 2,040 kg in Noord-Holland: €123/month.

  • With the 82 kWh battery pack the car becomes approximately 200 kg heavier. Including the discount, average road tax over the next 5 years: €100/month. With the small pack: €88/month.

Note: the road tax figures mentioned are specific to the Netherlands. Please get in touch for questions about your country.

Conversion / specs

What is replaced or installed?

  • Motor: second-hand Tesla 3DU or 4DU, minimum 220 kW.

  • Batteries: second-hand CATL NMC Lithium battery modules 12S, sourced from VW vehicles with limited use (maximum 600 km).

  • Software: for controlling the motor and batteries.

  • New power steering, brake booster, air conditioning, and heater.

  • Optional: replacement of subframe bushings, etc.

  • Options: display, upholstery, reversing camera, and AVAS (pedestrian warning sound system).

How many years can a car last after conversion?

  • By replacing the engine (and gearbox) with a new electric motor (and battery), the car can in principle last another 20 years.

  • In a petrol or diesel car, the engine is largely responsible for the vehicle's lifespan. In an electric car, that role is played by the battery pack. Batteries can last up to 20 years.

  • The remaining wear-sensitive components (tyres, shock absorbers, brakes, etc.) can be maintained as part of the regular multi-year service cycle, just like any other car.

  • Upholstery can be repaired or replaced if needed.

  • Rust is increasingly less of an issue in more modern cars and with most brands.

Where are the cars converted?

  • Cars are currently converted at Ellermeyer in Amsterdam.

  • Ellermeyer specialises in vehicle modifications and is part of the Beelen Mobility Group.

  • Beelen Mobility is a family business with multiple locations and a strong commitment to sustainability. They are, among other things, a co-founder of Circulair West.

  • Over time, the number of conversion locations will expand to include other converters and garages. The conversion process and materials used will always be the same, and converters are trained accordingly.

Where can I have my car serviced?

  • The car should preferably be serviced at the conversion partner.

  • If needed, it can be serviced at another garage. We can provide relevant information for this if required.

  • Electric cars require significantly less maintenance.

Will the car become much heavier?

  • Slightly. Depending on the specifications, the car becomes approximately 200 kg heavier.

  • This has little to no effect on driving behaviour.

How much range will I have?

  • That depends on the battery pack, the car, temperature, load, speed, and conditions.

  • For the XC90 we use 6 km (WLTP) per kWh. With 82 kWh (net 77 kWh), you would have approximately 450 km of WLTP range.

  • In real-world driving, this comes to around 4.5 km per kWh, so approximately 350 km from 0 to 100%.

How fast can I fast charge?

  • CCS fast charging supports up to 75 kW from 10 to 80%. This brings the battery from 10% to 80% in around 45 minutes.

  • We are working on increasing the charging speed, which can likely be upgraded later.

  • Most people will only use fast charging on long trips or holidays, once or twice a year. Meanwhile, time is saved all year round because there is no need to stop at a petrol station. Net extra travel time is therefore negligible or even negative.

How fast can I charge at home?

  • That depends on the number of onboard chargers. Each charger supports 3.3 kW.

  • With the maximum of 3 chargers, you can charge at around 10 kW, given your home charger supports that.

  • This gets you back to full in a few hours.

Process

What is the process if I have a model that Greentimer can convert and it is between 10 and 25 years old?

  • If you're interested, schedule a no-obligation video call or get in touch directly by phone or email.

  • We can arrange a test drive through Steef, a colleague, a partner, or an ambassador near you (a private individual who owns a Greentimer).

  • We will send you a quote based on your exact preferences (battery pack, options, etc.), propose a conversion partner, and send you the terms by email.

  • Once agreed, we ask for a 50% deposit two months in advance, due to the lead time for the motor and batteries and the kit assembly time.

  • After the deposit, an appointment is scheduled with the selected conversion partner.

  • When you drop off the car, a brief inspection is carried out.

  • The conversion will ultimately be completed within a week. In the early phase, this will still take 2 to 3 weeks.

  • When you pick up the car, you receive a handover briefing and a short test drive. The remaining 50% is paid to Greentimer, and any additional work is paid directly to the converter.

What does the conversion process roughly look like over 2 weeks?

Note: in the early phase, this will still take 3 to 4 weeks.

  • Monday: drop-off, intake, inspection

  • Monday: engine etc. removed, any issues reported

  • Tue/Wed/Thu/Fri: motor and battery installation and other work

  • Tue/Wed: inspection and certification

  • Friday afternoon: pick-up, including payment of remaining 50%

  • Display/upholstery etc. depending on preferences

How does it work with registration and insurance?

  • The registration is converted to electric at the time of certification.

  • You inform your insurer in advance and confirm on the day of pick-up. We can recommend an insurance provider if needed.

  • Depending on whether you want comprehensive cover and which insurer you choose, it may be advisable to have a replacement value appraisal done. We can recommend an appraiser if needed.

Can I also buy an already-converted Greentimer?

  • Yes. Over time, we aim to have a number of converted Greentimers available for sale through our partners at all times, so you don't have to source a car yourself or wait for a conversion.

  • Check the website for availability or get in touch to discuss the options.

Can you help with buying a car to convert?

  • Yes, we can support you in finding and purchasing a suitable used car.

  • We can share tips on what to look out for, and it always helps to have someone take a look with you.

Future models

Will you convert other models too?

  • Yes. From early 2026, we plan to add a second model alongside the Volvo XC90, with more to follow quickly after.

  • Which model that will be depends on the number of registrations, technical feasibility, and savings potential.

  • So go ahead and register your 10 to 25-year-old BMW, Land Rover, Volvo, Saab, or whatever you drive. You don't need to own one yet — it can be supplied later, or you can buy one ready-converted as a used car.

  • As a general rule: the smaller and lighter the car, the lower the costs, as fewer batteries are needed. The range per kWh is also likely to be higher, which largely compensates on range.

Why does Greentimer focus on cars that are 10 to 25 years old?

  • The RDW has stricter requirements for cars newer than 2014. This may become possible in time, but for now we focus on cars that are at least 10 years old.

  • These cars are also often very affordable. A great XC90 diesel can be found for under €5,000, and cars with engine or gearbox issues are even cheaper.

  • The 25-year upper limit is not a hard rule, but beyond that age the available numbers, quality, and annual mileage tend to drop significantly, which reduces our impact.

Why are you starting with the Volvo XC90?

  • Volvos are durable, well-loved, still widely available, and parts are easy to source.

  • Specifically the XC90 because it is the flagship model, covers a lot of kilometres (including holiday driving), and its size as a 7-seater makes it both distinctive and notably fuel-hungry. Plenty to be gained.

  • Ultimately, the goal is to expand to many more makes and models, but we have to start somewhere.

Warranty

What warranty do I get?

  • 6 months warranty on the conversion (BOVAG)

  • 1.5 years warranty on parts, including the batteries

  • We work with an established and sustainability-focused garage group with multiple locations: Ellermeyer/Beelen Mobility.

  • The technology is proven through dozens of conversions carried out in recent years, including by our partner EV Europe.

  • The batteries are CATL modules sourced from VW vehicles with limited use (maximum 600 km) — the same battery technology used in VW EVs. Battery degradation is significantly lower than previously expected. Replacement is not anticipated, but would be straightforward if ever needed.

What are the general terms and conditions?

  • See the bottom of the page.

Take the first step today.

Schedule a no-obligation video call with Steef.

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