In 2023, motorists will also be faced with a number of innovations and changes. As of January, government funding for pure electric cars and fuel cell vehicles will be reduced by half to 4,500 euros. If the net list price is over 40,000 and under 65,000 euros, then there is an additional 3,000 euros for the purchase. Purchase premiums are no longer paid for hybrid models.
From September next year, only private individuals will probably be able to apply for funding. However, an extension to non-profit organizations and small businesses is still being examined. The Automobile Club of Germany (AvD) is already pointing out that the amount of funding for e-cars will be reduced even further in 2024. Then there is a bonus of only 3,000 euros for net list prices of up to 45,000 euros. More expensive vehicles are no longer eligible.
However, drivers of electric vehicles can also claim the GHG premium next year. The legislator has given mineral oil producers increasing savings targets for CO2 production every year. If the so-called greenhouse gas reduction quota (GHG quota) is not achieved, the company has to pay compensation or buy emission rights. Anyone who owns a fully electric car, truck or scooter is entitled to have the CO2 savings of their vehicle certified in order to benefit from emissions trading.
The annually increasing surcharge on the energy tax on fuels, the so-called CO2 tax, will be suspended in 2023. The reason for this is the upheaval in the energy supply markets. Only in 2024 will 35 euros per ton of CO2 be due on fuel prices instead of the current 30 euros. The increment for 2025 is then 45 euros per tonne of CO2.
As part of the existing Euro 6 standard, the rules for the compliance of emission values with the applicable RDE specifications (RDE = Real Drive Emissions) will be adjusted. From September 1, 2023, type approvals for model series may only be granted if the new parameters can be met (“Euro 6e standard”).
Drivers born between 1959 and 1964 must exchange their driver’s license for an EU document in credit card format by January 19. The background to this is the goal of creating a uniform document for proof of driver’s license within the EU. In order to cope with the bureaucratic effort, the copies are to be submitted to the local driver’s license office by the respective deadline, staggered by year. In 2024, it will also be the turn of those born between 1965 and 1970 until January 19 of that year. After the exchange, the driver’s license remains in the same scope as before; special rules only apply to professional drivers. The validity of the new driving license is limited to 15 years.
Anyone applying for an EU check card driver’s license must present a valid identity card or passport, attach a biometric passport photo, bring the old paper driver’s license to be exchanged and pay a fee of around 25 euros, according to the AvD. If the previous driver’s license was not issued by the authority of the current place of residence, a so-called record card copy of the issuing office must be requested by post, telephone or online. If the exchange period is not observed, it can cost ten euros as a warning. However, the federal states can exercise their discretion in exceptional cases. However, the driver’s license is always retained despite the invalid document.
In the next year, around 8.1 million motorists in motor liability insurance will be classified differently in the type classes under insurance law. 4.8 million motor insurance contracts improve in classification. The regional classes, in which the damage and accident figures are reflected, have also been reassessed. Around two thirds of the contracts are classified worse than before, a third cheaper.
And if you have a pink sticker on the rear license plate, you have to take your vehicle to the main inspection (HU) next year. (awm)