1. Central Level
GST & Compensation Cess
.GST on new vehicles: 28% base rate, plus compensation cess based on engine size:
.Small cars (<1200 cc): +1%
.1200–1500 cc: +3%
.1500 cc / SUVs: +15–22%
.Electric Vehicles (EVs): taxed at 5% GST, no cess
GST on Used Vehicles
.Small petrol/diesel cars: 12% GST
.Larger petrol/diesel cars: 18%
.Used EVs: 5% GST, no cess
2. Road & Registration Tax (State-wise)
.State governments levy a one-time road tax (mostly for private vehicles) at registration.
| State | Petrol/Diesel Car Tax (approx) | EV / Hybrid Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 11% (<₹10L), 13% (>₹10L), +2% on diesel | 100% exemption on registration & road tax; toll-free expressways |
| Karnataka | ~13–18% (based on price) | EVs mostly exempt (0%) + diesel surcharge |
| Delhi | 10% (<₹10L), 12.5% (>₹10L); diesel discouraged | EVs & hybrids up to ₹20L exempt road tax & registration |
| UP | 8–10%, +2% diesel surcharge | 100% waiver on EV/hybrid road tax & registration |
| Gujarat | 6% (<₹10L), ~12% (>₹10L); diesel premium | EVs taxed at just 1% until Mar 2026 |
| West Bengal | 10% (<₹10L), 13% (>₹10L); +2% diesel | Partial EV benefits |
| Tamil Nadu | + | Luxury tax hike to 20% on cars >₹20L—sales dropped by 18% |
| Madhya Pradesh | Luxury vehicles taxed at 16%; EV two-wheeler tax rose from 1% to 4% | |
| Kerala | — | EVs ≤₹15 L: 5%, ₹15‑20 L: 8%, >₹20 L: 10% |
Note: Private cars typically pay one-time road tax, valid for up to 15 years; commercial vehicles pay yearly/quarterly .
3. EV & Hybrid Incentives
.Maharashtra: EV registration & road tax exempt; toll-free on major expressways for 5 years; up to ₹2 lakh incentive on commercial EVs
.UP: Subsidies: ₹5K (2-w), ₹12K (3-w), ₹1L (cars); full tax waiver
.Delhi-NCR: Extends EV/hybrid tax waiver for vehicles ≤₹20L
.Gujarat: 1% EV road tax through March 2026
4. Toll & FASTAG Updates
.Two-wheelers remain toll-exempt on national highways
.FASTAG annual pass (₹3000) starting 15 Aug 2025: ~200 trips or unlimited for cars/vans; delivers up to 70% saving
.Maharashtra EVs get toll waiver across major expressways
5. What This Means for You
.EV Advantage: Across most states, EVs enjoy zero or minimal taxes, often with toll waivers and subsidies.
.Hybrids: Delhi, UP now include hybrids under EV tax benefits—watch for expansion.
.Diesel Premium: Diesel vehicles see an extra ~2% surcharge almost everywhere.
.Luxury Car Buyers: States like Tamil Nadu & MP impose hefty taxes (16–20%); some buyers register elsewhere to avoid the levy
.Consumers: With the GST Council moving toward integrating cess by FY27, expect simplification in tax rates
๐ Bottom Line
Buying a Diesel or Luxury Car?
Expect higher taxes, diesel surcharges, and fewer incentives:
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Diesel Surcharge: +2% in states like UP, WB, Maharashtra.
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Luxury Tax:
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Tamil Nadu: 20% for vehicles >₹20L
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MP: 16% road tax on high-end cars
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Tip: Some buyers register in lower-tax states (e.g., Gujarat) to save lakhs—but check legality carefully.
Commuting Cost-Efficiently?
New Toll Benefit in 2025:
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FASTAG Annual Pass @ ₹3,000
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Launch: From August 15, 2025
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Covers: 200 highway trips or unlimited access (passenger cars, vans)
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Savings: Up to ₹10,000/year for frequent commuters
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Bonus: EVs in Maharashtra get 100% toll waiver on expressways like Atal Setu.




















