Electric cars have one clear advantage over diesel and petrol cars. They – that is, electric cars – pay much less in periodic taxes. It's all due to politics.
Electric cars have an advantage when it comes to periodic taxes. They are cheaper than petrol and diesel cars, even though they often weigh more. This is because the tax is not based on the weight of the car, but on its CO2 emissions.
An electric car weighing almost three tons may have an annual tax of only 600 kroner, while a small diesel car weighing 1.3 tons may have a tax of almost 6,000 kroner annually. This difference is due to a political desire to promote electric cars and limit the use of fossil fuels.
– This is the politicians' way of getting us to opt out of fossil fuels. If we want a car with a fossil engine, it costs money, says Ronny Svensson, an expert in car economics.
In addition to the weight-based tax, which still exists in several countries, you also pay according to the car's CO2 emissions. The more CO2, the higher the tax. New diesel cars with high CO2 emissions are hit hardest. In return, diesel car owners get away with a reduced equalization tax. Read more about it here .
– Then there is a graduated scale according to how much you get rid of. Diesel is the worst of all and you get an extra penalty fee there, explains Ronny Svensson.
This tax structure is part of a strategy to encourage more people to choose electric cars. The car tax also affects the value of company cars, which has led many to switch to electric.
Rising fuel prices also play a role in this development. Ronny Svensson predicts a future with fuel prices of over 20 kroner per liter.
"If you are going to drive diesel in the future, you need to have a very solid annual salary," he tells the media outlet Carup .
These factors together make electric cars a more attractive choice for many, both economically and environmentally. While diesel cars are a more expensive solution, both in terms of purchase and operation.
This development could potentially change car ownership in the future and influence both individuals and companies in their choice of means of transportation.
