The majority of European countries give tax rebated to hybrid cars buyers in an effort to stimulate hybrid car sales, or even VAT breaks, owners paying only 50% of the car's price or even a bonus of up to 6,400 euros, while in Netherlands, hybrid car drivers pay half of all road taxes.
In Switzerland, fuel-efficient car buyers benefit of various types of discounts, depending on the hybrid car they purchase. For Type A hybrids, buyers pay a 50% lower VAT of the car's value, while for Type B they are given a 5,000 Swiss francs discount, and for Type C, the discount is of 1,000 CHF (650 euros).
Italy offers a 2,800 euro rebate to buyers of eco-friendly cars.
Spain is being divided in two regions, Andalusia and Castilla Leon, the discounts being 2,000 euros and 1,890 euros respectively.
In Belgium, the tax rebates for fuel-efficient cars depend on the CO2 emissions level, below 105g/km or below 115g/km, the rebates ranging between 15% and 3%.
In Greece, no taxes are levied for hybrid cars, while in Slovenia, the buyers pay taxes only for cars with CO2 emissions below 110g/km.
In France, the hybrid car owners benefit of 2,000 euro discount of the car price in case of natural persons, or 700 euros in case of companies.
In Portugal, all taxes incurred when purchasing a new vehicle are cut to half in case of hybrid cars.
Netherlands offers a 6,400 bonus depending on the performances of the hybrid car. Hybrid car owners pay half of all road taxes.
In Luxemburg, for a hybrid with CO2 emissions below 120g/km the owner benefits of a 750-euro discount.
Sweden offers discounts of up to 1,000 euros to natural persons when purchasing a hybrid car with CO2 emissions below 120 g/km, and offers a 40% tax rebate to companies.
In Austria, under a bonus-malus system, cars emitting less than 120g/km and running more than 1km on electric engine mode receive a maximum bonus of 500euros. Cars emitting emitting less than 120g/km attract a bonus of 300 euros.
German citizens are tax exempted for two years, if they own a Euro5 hybrid car or for one year if they own a Euro4 car.
In Romania, not taxes are charged when purchasing a hybrid, electric or Euro-5 vehicle.
Source: Wall Street Romania
Author: Cristian Gubandru