What is the GHG ratio?
The GHG quota (greenhouse gas reduction ratio) is a means provided by the Federal Government to reduce CO2 emissions and become climate-neutral.
The Federal Republic should be climate-neutral by 2045. Therefore, no more CO2 should be emitted than can be absorbed naturally. For this reason, politicians have taken measures in recent years to help achieve goals. In addition to the CO2 tax on fossil fuels and the purchase premium for e-cars, this has also included the GHG quota since the beginning of 2022.
Companies that sell fossil fuels are therefore required to reduce the resulting greenhouse gases by at least a fixed percentage every year. If they can't do it on their own, they must pay a fine or buy CO2 certificates from others who have already saved a certain amount of CO2.
How does GHG quota trading work?
E-cars do not emit any greenhouse gases when driving. Since January 2022, owners of an electric vehicle have therefore been able to sell saved emissions to companies via certificates.
First, the Federal Environment Agency (UBA) calculates the average power consumption of an electric vehicle. From this value, UBA then derives the tradable share for the GHG quota. The average savings (approx. 350 kg CO2) for e-cars are multiplied by a factor of 3. The intermediary can then resell the GHG quota via certificates and pay out the GHG premium.
For which e-vehicles can you apply for the GHG premium?
- electric cars
- electric motorbikes
- E-scooter
- Leased electric cars
Plug-in hybrids and e-mopeds (classes L1e & L2e) are unfortunately excluded from the GHG premium.
How can you get a GHG premium?
- First, you sign up with a provider who takes care of trading GHG quotas. This requires proof of ownership of an e-car, such as a copy of the vehicle registration document.
- Your application will then be reviewed and after a certain period of time, you will receive your GHG reward.
You can register all year round. If you submit the application within the first two months of the new year, you can also receive the GHG quota retroactively.
Why do I have to sign up with a provider to get the GHG premium?
As a private individual, you usually sell your GHG quota through a service provider, who then pays out the premium - after deduction of a commission. It is not possible to apply for the premium yourself, as the certificates are sold in bundles.
How high is the GHG ratio?
In 2022, the GHG ratio for the petroleum industry is 7%. For 2023, the prescribed reduction in greenhouse gas emissions is 8%. By 2030, the figure will rise to 25%. The amount of the payout varies annually, as this is not a permanent fixed amount.
Compare GHG ratio
There are now countless providers. In order to benefit from the maximum possible premiums, detailed research makes sense.
Some providers offer additional payments, such as “friend bonuses.” In this case, if you make a successful referral, you get up to €50 extra and can thus compensate for a possibly low payout.