The CO2 toll will be in effect shortly

An additional toll is expected to be introduced in Germany on 1 December 2023.

By 1 December 2023 a additional toll is expected to be imported in Germany. From that date a levy to EUR 200 per tonne of CO2 emitted will be implemented. Other Member States of the European Union will consider similar measures at a later date.

A new assessment method for trucks with a weight above 7,5 tonnes, the CO2 class, will apply as of December 2023. The vehicles shall: before 1 December to be classified for their CO2 class with their toll operators, if you do not do so then your vehicles will become Automatically classified in the highest CO2 class. This applies only to vehicles that are first registered and subject to toll. Vehicles first registered and subject to toll by classified under the highest CO2 class. The introduction of the climate premium is expected to significantly increase tolls between 40 and 80 percent, depending on the CO2 class of the vehicle.

Germany is ahead of the introduction of CO2 tolls, and it is still unclear when other Member States will implement the binding EU Directive in their national legislation. It is advisable for transporters to closely monitor developments as the will be reviewed annually classification limit values to support the overarching climate objective.

The German Government expects the CO2 tax between 2024 and 2027 to generate additional revenues from EUR 26 to 36 billion. The government has promised that these revenues will be spent on improving federal highway infrastructure and mobility measures, with particular AANZeT to Federal Railways.

Emissions-free trucks (electric and hydrogen) will remain exempt from CO2 toll for a limited period. Pas from 1 January 2026 will pay a "partial rate", with a reduction of 75% for infrastructure costs, in addition to toll components for air and noise pollution.