Electric cars: Higher taxes from April - what does that mean for the drivers?

Electric cars: Higher taxes from April - what does that mean for the drivers?

From April 1, 2025, it is finally over with the tax exemption for electric vehicles- a dramatic step that affects both car and motorcyclists in Austria. According to information from krone.at , the engine-related insurance tax will now also apply to electric cars and e-motorcycles. The former exemption from this tax, which has already been abolished in Germany, will bring an additional financial burden for the drivers, which could amount to around 500 euros per year on average. The tax is calculated on the basis of its own weight and service information in the registration certificate and could even be lower for some users, since many electric vehicles are under special weight classes.

Especially bitter for the holder of plug-in hybrids: taxes for these vehicles are also increased. Here critics report that this measure could endanger the attractiveness of electromobility, such as hna.de The newly elected government coalition from the ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS made this decision, which could cause feared displeasure among e-car owners. The introduction of the tax could rinse an additional 65 million euros per year to the state, while at the same time the funding for commercially used electric cars remains.

control system for electric motorcycles

For electric motorcycles, a new tax regulation applies from the same time, which takes place analogously to the taxation of burners. Owners of electric motorcycles must expect a tax of 0.50 euros per kW (minus 5 kW), which means at least 2.00 euros per month. For the currently rapidly growing group of electrical single -track vehicles in Austria, which is particularly located in the area of ​​the mopedequival, the tax burden will be between 24 and 36 euros annually.

The decision to abolish the tax exemption is sharply criticized by environmental associations and the automotive industry. They warn that this measure could significantly restrict the acceptance and distribution of electromobility, while initiatives to improve charging infrastructure and consumer protection should also be launched.