Owners of electric cars will face additional costs of under 500 euros per year, with the range varying between approximately 70 to over 2,000 euros depending on the vehicle’s performance and weight, as calculated by the ÖAMTC (Austrian Automobile, Motorcycle and Touring Club) on Friday. “If we assume that electric mobility will increasingly reach the lower-performance and lighter vehicle segments in the future, the tax for many vehicles will likely be on the lower end,” the ÖAMTC stated.
The additional costs arise from the introduction of a motor-related insurance tax for electric vehicles by the new government in Vienna. Until now, electric vehicles were exempt from this tax, which is based on engine power and CO2 emissions for combustion vehicles. The new tax applies to both existing vehicles and newly registered cars.
For Tesla Y drivers, the costs will be significantly higher, averaging around 950 euros. Other vehicles, like the Škoda Enyaq, a family-oriented electric vehicle, will face additional costs of approximately 480 euros per year. For a BMW i4, the median cost is about 530 euros, while the BYD Seal will increase by 813 euros on average.
A typical VW ID.3 Pro, which is comparable to a VW Golf, with a power of 170 kW (231 hp) and a weight of 2,280 kilograms, will incur an annual tax of 514.20 euros.
The calculation is based on the vehicle’s continuous power, not peak power, and also includes weight-based taxation. The tax is calculated in tiers depending on power and weight.
ÖAMTC traffic expert Martin Grasslober called for more tax transparency during the car purchase process, stating that it is too late to discover these costs only when signing an insurance contract.
Changes will also affect plug-in hybrids, with an increase in their tax burden as well, particularly due to a lower assumed share of electric driving, leading to higher CO2 emissions.
Electric motorcycles will also be subject to a motor-related insurance tax in the future, while e-scooters will remain exempt.
The Green Party reacted negatively, calling it the wrong signal in the current climate and industry policy situation, especially since it punishes people who have already bought climate-friendly electric cars, who will now face additional costs of up to 500 euros or more annually.
