New tax shock for e-car drivers: Costs explode from April!

New tax shock for e-car drivers: Costs explode from April!

From April 1, 2025, there is a fundamental change for electric car owners in Austria: The engine-related insurance tax is now also charged for electric cars, both for new cars and for already approved vehicles. This decision of the new government leads to a significant financial burden for users who have to expect additional costs between 250 and 950 euros annually, depending on the model and performance. So far, electric vehicles have been released from this tax, which is calculated for conventional combustion engines based on engine power and CO₂ emissions. According to an analysis of viewers, however, changing the insurance could help the e-car owners to cope with the new costs because savings of up to 2,500 euros are possible. The tariffs vary drastically - the difference between the cheapest and most expensive offer is even 2,446 euros.

What does that mean for consumers?

The adjustments in vehicle tax policy aim to tax the climate and environmentally harmful vehicles and at the same time create cheaper conditions for low-emission vehicles. Görlitz from ADAC explains that electric cars were released from the vehicle tax by December 31, 2030, but this tax exemption expires quickly. After the exemption has expired, the electric cars are taxed such as combustion engines according to weight, although the costs usually remain low. Despite the initial higher acquisition costs, the operating costs of electric cars are often already cheaper today.

clever buyers should now take a close look at the insurance tariffs. In addition to the bonus differences, the importance of performance scope when choosing the right offer emphasizes. Consumers can benefit from numerous recommendations to make an informed decision. The tax change will therefore not only be a financial challenge, but also offer an opportunity to gain financial benefits through skillful changes in the contract, as reported.