Tax reform for e-cars: So you have to plan when buying a car!

Tax reform for e-cars: So you have to plan when buying a car!

On March 7, 2025, the National Council discusses a significant change in the taxation of electric vehicles. The focus is on the lifting of the tax exemption for new and existing electric cars from the engine-related insurance tax. Martin Grasslober, expert of the ÖAMTC, explains that this is an unpleasant but predictable step of politics. This tax, originally intended to finance the street infrastructure, will now also affect electromobility. According to Grasslober, the ride of electromobility must continue to be promoted in order to achieve the climate goals, since the failure of these goals could lead to high penalty payments, which would make consumers directly, such as ots.at reported.

New control regulations for electric cars and hybrid vehicles

The tax change will raise the tax for the majority of electric cars to less than 500 euros per year, although some vehicles may be able to cost up to 2,000 euros. The new formula for taxation depends on its own weight and performance in the registration certificate. Grasslober indicates that with plug-in hybrids there is also a tightening of taxation, since the electrically driven proportion in the CO2 calculation drops and gevolg increases the emissions. This problem also affects vehicles whose operating costs can be decisive for consumers, such as the OEAMTC.AT explained in detail.

In addition, there will be an engine-related insurance tax for e-motorcycles, although e-mopeds are still exempt from this tax. Before buying a vehicle, whether new or used, consumers should definitely find out about the amount of the expected taxes in order to avoid unpleasant surprises when taking out insurance. An early review can contribute significantly to cost transparency and improve the financial planning of buyers, emphasizes Grasslober.