Petrol Car Tax Germany 2026 — Lower Rate Guide
Petrol car tax Germany 2026: why petrol vehicles pay less KFZ Steuer. Compare base rates and total costs for petrol vs diesel vehicles.
Questions
How much is petrol car tax in Germany?
Petrol vehicles pay €2 per 100cc of engine displacement. A 1.5L (1500cc) petrol car pays €30/year, while a 2.0L pays €40/year in base KFZ tax.
Why do petrol cars pay less tax than diesel in Germany?
Petrol vehicles emit less CO2 per kilometer than diesel vehicles, justifying the lower base rate (€2 vs €9.50 per 100cc). Diesel also contributes more to air pollution.
Does petrol also have CO2 surcharge in Germany?
Yes, petrol vehicles registered from 2021 pay CO2 surcharges at approximately €2 per gram above the threshold. However, this is still lower than diesel's ~€4 per gram.
Is petrol or diesel better for German car tax?
Petrol is significantly better for tax purposes. A 2.0L petrol pays €40/year base tax, while the same engine diesel pays €190/year — a €150 annual difference before CO2 surcharges.
⚠ Financial & Legal Disclaimer
All information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. The content is synthesized based on verbal communications, extensive internet research, and official government website data as of the date of publishing. Tax laws and insurance policies are subject to frequent changes by the authorities. We strive for accuracy, but we recommend that you consult a qualified professional (CA, CPA, or Tax Consultant) before making any financial decisions. For personalized assistance, you can also connect with our in-house experts through our Contact Us page.
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