Vehicle tax in the canton of Solothurn: how is it calculated?
For a passenger car, the canton uses: engine capacity; electric cars exempt.
Good to know: A possible separate surcharge still needs checking; a new system is planned for 2027.
Worked examples 2026
Estimated amounts for typical vehicles first registered in 2022. Open an example to see the calculation in detail.
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Small petrol car70 kW, 999 cm³, empty weight 1'150 kg, total weight 1'620 kg, CO₂ 125 g/km (WLTP) CHF 218.50
- Tax based on engine capacity (999 cm³)CHF 218.50
- Total per yearCHF 218.50
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Petrol family car110 kW, 1'498 cm³, empty weight 1'320 kg, total weight 1'850 kg, CO₂ 132 g/km (WLTP) CHF 276.00
- Tax based on engine capacity (1'498 cm³)CHF 276.00
- Total per yearCHF 276.00
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Diesel SUV150 kW, 1'968 cm³, empty weight 1'900 kg, total weight 2'500 kg, CO₂ 170 g/km (WLTP) CHF 351.00
- Tax based on engine capacity (1'968 cm³)CHF 351.00
- Total per yearCHF 351.00
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Electric car208 kW, empty weight 1'850 kg, total weight 2'255 kg CHF 0.00
- Electric car: exempt in 2026CHF 0.00
- Total per yearCHF 0.00
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125 scooter9 kW, 125 cm³, total weight 300 kg CHF 63.00
- Tax based on engine capacity (125 cm³)CHF 63.00
- Total per yearCHF 63.00
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Large motorcycle100 kW, 1'254 cm³, total weight 465 kg CHF 163.00
- Tax based on engine capacity (1'254 cm³)CHF 163.00
- Total per yearCHF 163.00
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3.5-tonne van110 kW, 2'143 cm³, empty weight 2'100 kg, total weight 3'500 kg CHF 385.00
- Tax based on payload (1'400 kg)CHF 385.00
- Total per yearCHF 385.00
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3.5-tonne motorhome103 kW, 2'287 cm³, empty weight 2'900 kg, total weight 3'500 kg CHF 396.00
- Tax based on engine capacity (2'287 cm³)CHF 396.00
- Total per yearCHF 396.00
Comparison with the other cantons
For the typical family car, Solothurn ranks 10 out of 26 (1 = cheapest). Average of the cantons: CHF 349.37.
Frequently asked questions
How is vehicle tax calculated in the canton of Solothurn?
For a passenger car, the canton uses: engine capacity; electric cars exempt. 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 Solothurn?
For a typical electric car (208 kW, empty weight 1'850 kg, total weight 2'255 kg), the 2026 tax is estimated at CHF 0.00 per year.
How much do plates cost for a motorcycle in the canton of Solothurn?
About CHF 63.00 per year for a 125 scooter, and CHF 163.00 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.