In Germany, an amendment to the Regulation on Energy Efficiency Labeling of Cars (Pkw-EnVKV) has come into force, which aims to revolutionize the way consumers receive information about new cars, with a special focus on electric vehicles (EVs).

Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, Robert Habeck, expressed optimism about the changes, stating, "The improved labeling of new cars will bring more transparency when buying a car." The amendment seeks to significantly enhance consumer information by incorporating technical and economic details. 

Key highlights of the amendment include the adoption of the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP) for determining absolute consumption and emission values, replacing the former New European Driving Cycle (NEDC) across the European Union. This shift ensures more realistic energy consumption and CO? emission values.

The new car label now provides not only information on absolute consumption and emission values but also includes energy costs and, for the first time, CO? costs. The amendment introduces color-coded CO? classes, allowing consumers to easily compare a car's emissions with alternative models.

Moreover, the labeling system will now include specific details for different drive types or energy sources, offering more relevant individual information to customers. For electric vehicles (BEV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV), details such as power consumption and electric range are specified.

In a groundbreaking move, PHEVs will receive dual-class labeling, providing information on CO? emissions in both electric and combustion engine modes. This addresses the unique nature of PHEVs, which utilize a combination of a combustion engine and an electric motor. 

The car label also incorporates information on annual energy costs for a mileage of 15,000 kilometers and the current vehicle tax for the new car. To further assist consumers, a car consumption cost calculator will soon be available on the German Energy Agency's "alternativ mobil" information platform, allowing for flexible and precise calculations based on individual parameter settings.

This comprehensive approach aims to empower consumers to make informed decisions that not only consider their preferences but also contribute to climate protection. The Passenger Car EnVKV, issued by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, reflects a commitment to transparency and sustainability, with the approval of the Bundesrat and collaboration with other relevant ministries.