Berlin (dpa) - The federal government wants to get the Germans to buy more climate-friendly cars. The motor vehicle tax for large fuel guzzlers should therefore increase.

In the Corona crisis of all places, a tax increase should be decided - albeit one that most citizens will hardly notice.

The problem: The federal government wants to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in traffic by at least 40 percent - but citizens are buying more and more large SUVs and SUVs that emit a lot of CO2. The new tax should give an incentive to choose a more environmentally friendly car the next time you buy a new car "without bans and penalties", wrote the Ministry of Finance in its bill, which could be passed in the cabinet this Friday. Then it's the turn of the Bundestag, so something could change.

An overview of the plans - and what else awaits drivers:

THE NEW CALCULATION MODEL

In principle, the aim of the new calculation is: big taxes for big cars. In addition to the cubic capacity, there is a stricter climate component that is based on the fuel consumption and thus the CO2 emissions of the car. It increases in six stages from 2 to 4 euros per gram of carbon dioxide per kilometer.

Specifically, this means that up to 95 grams of CO2 per kilometer, the climate surcharge on the tax is zero. From 96 to 115 grams - as before - 2 euros per gram and kilometer. From CO2 emissions of 116 grams per kilometer, the climate component rises compared to the previous tax rate: first to 2.20 euros, then to 2.50 euros, 2.90 and 3.40 euros up to a top rate of 4 euros for Cars with CO2 emissions of more than 195 grams per kilometer. "The tax will change significantly compared to the usual level," the Ministry of Finance predicts for these cars.

FOR WHOM IT'S CHANGING NOW

Most drivers will not feel the change in their wallets at first - because it only applies to new registrations. And here, too, not everyone has to pay more money. Electric cars are completely exempt from vehicle tax for ten years. Anyone who buys a different, very climate-friendly car also doesn't pay. There are surcharges compared to the previous tax only from CO2 emissions of 116 grams per kilometer. But that also means that the average new car is more expensive to pay for taxes.

WHO PAYS HOW MUCH

According to the ministry, the cars that were first registered in 2019 had an average CO2 test value of 157 grams per kilometer. With the new tax, this average car will be more expensive at € 15.80 a year. However, the range extends from a few cents to more than 100 euros. Nothing changes for an Opel Corsa with a CO2 emissions of 95 grams, a typical small car. A FAMILY CARRIAGE like the VW Passat with 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer would be one euro more expensive.

The difference is greater with the popular SUVs, in whose segment more than one in five new cars fell last year. For a VW T-ROC with 151 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, 11.50 euros more were incurred, for an Audi Q8 with CO2 emissions of 182 grams per kilometer one would have to pay almost 42 euros more. For a SPORTS CAR like the Porsche 911 with 215 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer, it would be 100 euros more a year, for a Ferrari 812 with 340 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer it would be a whopping 350 euros.

CRITICISM

Environmentalists believe that the low tax surcharge from their point of view will not deter anyone from buying their favorite car. If you wanted a real effect, not only would petrol spinners be more expensive, but low-emission cars would also be cheaper. Others, such as the FDP, fear great damage to the car industry, which is already shaken by the Corona crisis and which makes good money from SUVs.

In general, there are still some changes to be made to drivers - both burdens and relief:

CO2 PRICE MAKES SPRIT EXPENSIVE 

From 2021, a CO2 price will make gasoline and diesel more expensive. In the first year it is 25 euros per tonne of CO2 - this corresponds to a gross surcharge of around 7 cents per liter of gasoline and 8 cents per liter of diesel, according to the federal government. In the first few years, the price is fixed and gradually increases, later it should be formed from supply and demand. By 2025, the price will gradually increase to 55 euros in 2025. In 2026, a price corridor of 55 to 65 euros should apply.

PACKAGE PACKAGE RISES

Workers with longer journeys are relieved because of the rising fuel prices. From 2021, the commuter allowance will increase from 30 to 35 cents from the 21st kilometer, and from 2024 to 38 cents per kilometer. This amount can be deducted from the taxable income per working day, the simple distance counts. Those who earn so little that they do not pay taxes should benefit from a mobility flat rate.

CAR BUYING IS PROMOTED - BUT ONLY WITH E-DRIVE

Until at least the end of 2025, citizens who buy an electric car can benefit from an environmental bonus. With a list price of up to 40,000 euros, there are 6,000 euros for pure e-cars and up to 4,500 euros for hybrids that run on electricity or fuel. For more expensive cars - up to 65,000 euros - there is a 5000 euro bonus for pure e-cars and 3750 for hybrids. Half of the bonus is paid by the manufacturers, the other half comes from tax money. By the end of 2021, the state will now double its share as part of the stimulus package. If you buy a pure electric car now, you can save up to 9,000 euros.

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