Nach Update 31.05.2018 Rechner Macht Probleme

Calculate the impact of the May 31, 2018 update on your financial situation

Comprehensive Guide: Understanding the May 31, 2018 Update and Its Impact on Vehicle Calculators

The May 31, 2018 update to vehicle taxation and emission regulations in Germany represented a significant shift in how vehicle costs are calculated. This comprehensive guide explains the technical changes, their financial implications, and why many existing calculators began producing inaccurate results after this update.

1. What Changed on May 31, 2018?

The update introduced three major changes to the German vehicle taxation system:

1. New CO₂-based taxation formula: The calculation method for vehicle taxes was revised to place greater emphasis on CO₂ emissions, particularly for new vehicles registered after September 1, 2018.
2. Updated emission standards: The Euro 6d-TEMP standard was introduced as an interim step before the full Euro 6d implementation, affecting how vehicles are classified for tax purposes.
3. Diesel surcharge adjustments: Additional surcharges for diesel vehicles were modified based on their emission class and real-driving emissions (RDE) compliance.

2. Why Existing Calculators Failed

Many online calculators stopped working correctly after this update because they were based on several outdated assumptions:

• Fixed tax rates: Older calculators used static tax tables that didn’t account for the new progressive CO₂-based taxation.
• Simplified emission classes: They often treated all Euro 6 vehicles the same, ignoring the new 6d-TEMP classification.
• Fuel type generalizations: The updated diesel surcharges required more granular data about specific vehicle models and their RDE compliance.
• Missing regional factors: New urban emission zone regulations weren’t incorporated into calculations.

3. Technical Breakdown of the New Calculation Method

The updated taxation formula uses the following components:

Component	Pre-2018 Formula	Post-2018 Formula
Base Tax	Fixed amount per engine size	€2.00 per 100cm³ (petrol) or €9.50 per 100cm³ (diesel)
CO₂ Surcharge	€2.00 per g/km over 95g/km	Progressive scale: €2.00 for 96-115g/km, increasing to €4.00 for >195g/km
Diesel Surcharge	Fixed €0.95 per 100cm³	Varies by Euro standard: €0.00 (Euro 6d), €1.20 (Euro 6b), €2.50 (Euro 5)
First Registration Date	Only affected base tax	Affects both base tax and CO₂ surcharge thresholds

4. Real-World Impact Examples

The following table shows how the update affected different vehicle types:

Vehicle Type	Pre-Update Annual Tax	Post-Update Annual Tax	Increase
Petrol, 1.4L, 120g CO₂/km, Euro 6b	€98	€122	24.5%
Diesel, 2.0L, 140g CO₂/km, Euro 5	€180	€310	72.2%
Diesel, 1.6L, 110g CO₂/km, Euro 6d-TEMP	€106	€98	-7.5%
Hybrid, 1.8L, 90g CO₂/km, Euro 6d	€78	€78	0%

5. How to Verify Your Vehicle’s Correct Classification

To ensure accurate calculations, you’ll need the following information about your vehicle:

1. Exact CO₂ emissions (in g/km) from your vehicle registration documents (Fahrzeugschein, field 49)
2. Exact Euro emission standard (field 14 or 44 in Fahrzeugschein)
3. First registration date (field B in Fahrzeugschein)
4. Engine displacement (in cm³, field P.1)
5. Fuel type (field P.3)
6. RDE compliance status (if diesel, check manufacturer documentation)

For official verification, you can use the German Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) database or consult your vehicle’s type approval certificate.

6. Regional Variations and Urban Emission Zones

The 2018 update also introduced more stringent requirements for urban emission zones (Umweltzonen). As of 2023, there are 58 environmental zones in German cities where only vehicles with specific emission stickers are allowed:

• Green sticker (4): Euro 4/5/6 petrol, Euro 6 diesel
• Yellow sticker (3): Euro 3 petrol, Euro 4/5 diesel
• Red sticker (2): Euro 2 petrol/diesel

Vehicles without stickers (typically pre-Euro 1) are banned from all environmental zones. The German Environment Agency provides official maps and regulations for these zones.

7. Long-Term Financial Planning Considerations

When evaluating the impact of these changes, consider the following factors:

• Resale value: Vehicles with higher tax burdens typically depreciate faster
• Fuel costs: The update indirectly affected fuel prices through changed tax incentives
• Insurance premiums: Some insurers adjusted rates based on the new emission classifications
• Future regulation changes: The EU has announced further tightening of emission standards for 2025 and 2030

8. Common Calculator Errors and How to Avoid Them

When using online calculators, watch out for these common pitfalls:

1. Incorrect Euro standard selection: Many users confuse Euro 6b with Euro 6d-TEMP
2. Outdated CO₂ values: Some calculators use WLTP instead of NEDC values (or vice versa)
3. Missing regional factors: Urban surcharges aren’t always included
4. First registration date errors: The cutoff date for new rules is September 1, 2018, not January 1
5. Hybrid vehicle misclassification: Plug-in hybrids often get different treatment than full hybrids

9. Alternative Calculation Methods

If you’re unsure about online calculators, consider these alternatives:

• Official KBA calculator: The most accurate but requires precise vehicle data
• Manufacturer tools: Many car brands offer updated calculators for their models
• Tax advisor consultation: For complex cases, especially with company cars
• ADAC membership benefits: The German automobile club provides member-only calculation tools

10. Future Outlook: What to Expect Next

The May 2018 update was just one step in a series of planned regulatory changes. Upcoming developments include:

• 2025 EU CO₂ targets: 15% reduction from 2021 levels for new cars
• 2030 EU CO₂ targets: 37.5% reduction from 2021 levels
• Expanded urban low-emission zones: More cities adopting stricter access rules
• Alternative fuel incentives: Increased support for electric and hydrogen vehicles
• Digital vehicle registration: New systems for more accurate tax calculations

For the most current information, monitor updates from the European Commission’s climate action policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does my calculator show different results than the official KBA calculator?

A: This typically occurs because:

• You’re using NEDC CO₂ values when the calculator expects WLTP
• The calculator hasn’t been updated for the 2021 WLTP transition
• You’ve selected the wrong Euro standard version (6b vs 6d)
• Regional surcharges aren’t being applied correctly

Q: How often are the tax rates updated?

A: While the fundamental structure from the 2018 update remains, the CO₂ surcharge brackets are adjusted annually based on inflation and policy goals. The German government typically announces any changes in the autumn for implementation the following January.

Q: Does this affect vehicles registered before 2018?

A: Yes, but differently. Pre-2018 vehicles keep their original tax calculation method but may face:

• Increased urban access restrictions
• Higher insurance premiums in some cases
• Potential resale value impacts

The tax amount itself doesn’t change for these vehicles unless they’re re-registered or modified.

Q: What’s the difference between Euro 6b and Euro 6d-TEMP?

A: The key differences are:

Aspect	Euro 6b	Euro 6d-TEMP
Introduction Date	September 2014	September 2017
RDE Testing	No	Yes (on-road emissions)
NOx Limits (diesel)	80 mg/km (lab)	168 mg/km (real-world)
Tax Treatment	Higher diesel surcharge	No diesel surcharge
Urban Access	Restricted in some cities	Full access

Q: How can I check if my diesel vehicle is RDE-compliant?

A: You can verify RDE compliance through:

1. Your vehicle’s type approval certificate (look for “RDE” or “6d-TEMP”)
2. The manufacturer’s website (search for your model year and “RDE”)
3. Your dealership (they can check using the vehicle identification number)
4. The KBA vehicle database (requires precise vehicle data)

For vehicles registered after September 2019, Euro 6d (full RDE compliance) is mandatory.