Vehicle tax in the canton of Geneva: how is it calculated?
For a passenger car, the canton uses: cO₂ for combustion and hybrid cars, empty weight for electric cars.
Worked examples 2026
Estimated amounts for typical vehicles first registered in 2022. Open an example to see the calculation in detail.
-
Small petrol car70 kW, 999 cm³, empty weight 1'150 kg, total weight 1'620 kg, CO₂ 125 g/km (WLTP) CHF 213.75
- Base taxCHF 120.00
- CO₂ surcharge: 125 g/km × CHF 0.75CHF 93.75
- Total per yearCHF 213.75
-
Petrol family car110 kW, 1'498 cm³, empty weight 1'320 kg, total weight 1'850 kg, CO₂ 132 g/km (WLTP) CHF 219.00
- Base taxCHF 120.00
- CO₂ surcharge: 132 g/km × CHF 0.75CHF 99.00
- Total per yearCHF 219.00
-
Diesel SUV150 kW, 1'968 cm³, empty weight 1'900 kg, total weight 2'500 kg, CO₂ 170 g/km (WLTP) CHF 502.50
- Base taxCHF 120.00
- CO₂ surcharge: 170 g/km × CHF 2.25CHF 382.50
- Total per yearCHF 502.50
-
Electric car208 kW, empty weight 1'850 kg, total weight 2'255 kg CHF 320.00
- Base taxCHF 120.00
- Surcharge based on empty weight (1'850 kg)CHF 200.00
- Total per yearCHF 320.00
-
125 scooter9 kW, 125 cm³, total weight 300 kg CHF 58.30
- Tax based on power (9 kW)CHF 58.30
- Total per yearCHF 58.30
-
Large motorcycle100 kW, 1'254 cm³, total weight 465 kg CHF 177.10
- Tax based on power (100 kW)CHF 177.10
- Total per yearCHF 177.10
-
3.5-tonne van110 kW, 2'143 cm³, empty weight 2'100 kg, total weight 3'500 kg CHF 350.50
- Tax based on total weight (3'500 kg)CHF 350.50
- Total per yearCHF 350.50
-
3.5-tonne motorhome103 kW, 2'287 cm³, empty weight 2'900 kg, total weight 3'500 kg CHF 350.50
- Tax based on total weight (3'500 kg)CHF 350.50
- Total per yearCHF 350.50
Comparison with the other cantons
For the typical family car, Geneva ranks 4 out of 26 (1 = cheapest). Average of the cantons: CHF 349.37.
Frequently asked questions
How is vehicle tax calculated in the canton of Geneva?
For a passenger car, the canton uses: cO₂ for combustion and hybrid cars, empty weight for electric cars. Motorcycles, vans and motorhomes have their own scales, detailed in the examples.
How much do plates cost for an electric car in the canton of Geneva?
For a typical electric car (208 kW, empty weight 1'850 kg, total weight 2'255 kg), the 2026 tax is estimated at CHF 320.00 per year.
How much do plates cost for a motorcycle in the canton of Geneva?
About CHF 58.30 per year for a 125 scooter, and CHF 177.10 for a large motorcycle (2026 examples).
Where can I find my vehicle’s data?
All the data you need is on the registration document. On calculplaques.ch, just enter the make and model, or the code from box 24: the official data is found automatically.
Is the amount official?
No: it is an independent estimate based on the canton’s 2026 rates. Only the decision of the cantonal vehicle office is binding.
Independent estimates based on the 2026 cantonal rates (official websites and the TCS comparison). Only the decision of the cantonal vehicle office is binding. Reductions that depend on the energy category or the exact date of first registration may vary. See the source