Austria's EV users face higher charging fees and new car‑tax rules

The Austrian Electric Mobility Association (BEÖ) warns that a proposed new tariff for electricity network use could raise the cost of public charging points, especially in multi‑apartment buildings. The draft would factor in peak power demand, potentially increasing network fees from 16 to 27.5 cents per kWh for a typical dual‑point charger. BEÖ estimates up to 50 % of public chargers could become uneconomic, risking fewer locations and higher prices for drivers without private wallboxes. “If low utilisation and always‑available charging power are penalised by high peak‑price tariffs, fewer sites and higher charging costs will result,” said BEÖ chair Andreas Reinhardt.

Separately, the Austrian federal government plans to end the zero‑tax privilege for private use of electric company cars. A “Sachbezug” (taxable benefit) will be introduced gradually: a low, unspecified rate in 2027 and 0.75 % of the vehicle’s purchase price from 2028 onward. This will raise the monthly tax burden for users to a maximum of about €360, while electric cars will still enjoy a lower rate than combustion‑engine vehicles. The change, expected to be formalised in the 2027/2028 budget bill, adds to earlier insurance‑tax increases that already add €350‑€500 per year to a typical midsize electric car.