The era of the eco-tax begins on March XNUMXst, a one-off levy to be paid upon registration of new vehicles. The standard was introduced with the latest budget law together with the eco-bonus for electric and plug-in vehicles (i.e. the most ecological hybrids, those with batteries that are charged via connection to the electricity grid). The implementing measures from the ministries of economic development, the economy and infrastructure should arrive in the next few days.
Who will be penalized by the ecotax? How much will it cost? Is there any way to avoid it? Let's get to the point with this 7-question tutorial.
1. WHO HAS TO PAY THE ECOTAX?
Anyone buying a car with emissions above 160 g/km of CO2. Below this threshold, however, you are exempt.
2. HOW MUCH IS IT?
The scheme is as follows:
- 1.100 euros for cars emitting from 161 to 175 g/km of CO2;
- 1.600 euros for cars emitting from 176 to 199 g/km of CO2;
- 2.000 euros for cars emitting from 201 to 250 g/km of CO2;
- 2.500 euros for cars emitting more than 250 g/km of CO2.
3. IS IT A FORWARD MEASURE?
Yes, but the deadline is far away: the ecotax (like the ecobonus) will cease to exist on December 31, 2021.
4. HOW TO CHECK EMISSIONS BEFORE PURCHASE?
Unfortunately, it is almost always impossible. Car manufacturers are obliged to provide data on CO2, but the numbers shown on the websites and on the technical data sheets refer only to the standard equipment. Apparently harmless accessories are enough (for example roof racks or wider tyres) to increase fuel consumption and therefore emissions.
5. HOW IS IT POSSIBLE TO PROTECT YOURSELF?
The only possible precaution is to expect the seller to specify the exact data relating to CO2 or in any case the eco-tax bracket in which the car falls on the car purchase contract.
6. IS THE ECOTAX ALSO PAID ON MOTORCYCLES AND MOTORCYCLES?
No, two-wheelers are exempt from the ecotax, but in 2019 they will still benefit from the ecobonus (30% of the price, up to a maximum of 3 euros) on the few models that meet these three conditions:
- electric or hybrid power supply;
- power up to 11 kiloWatts;
- simultaneous scrapping of a vehicle of the same category which has an environmental class between Euro 0 and Euro 2.
7. ARE THERE ALSO EXEMPTIONS FOR FOUR WHEELS?
Yes. Regardless of emission levels, the green tax is not payable on special purpose vehicles, such as motor homes and caravans, armored or wheelchair accessible vehicles, ambulances or hearses.
