GHG Bonus & Quota Calculator
for EV / Fleet • Fixed & Flex • Live BreakdownCalculate in seconds what's realistically available in the GHG quota – including estimate mode (private charging), market mode ($/t CO₂) and provider deduction. Perfect as a value-add tool on your website.
1) Your Data
Tip: If you know real provider values, simply enter Fixed Bonus ($/vehicle) or Market Price ($/t). The calculator also shows you the "technology" behind it (kWh, t CO₂e, gross/net).
2) Result
How the GHG Quota works (short, but understandable)
The GHG Quota (Greenhouse Gas Reduction Quota) obliges companies that bring fossil fuels into circulation to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions every year. One way to fulfill this obligation is the use of electricity in road traffic – i.e., electromobility. The Federal Environment Agency (UBA) issues certificates for this: It confirms electricity quantities (in MWh) and the resulting CO₂ equivalents. You do not get money directly from the UBA, but in practice via a vendor/provider who bundles your certificate ("pooling") and markets it to companies subject to the quota.
Many private charging sessions are not exactly metered. Therefore, there is a flat-rate estimate per vehicle and year for non-public charging. For electric cars (Class M1), this estimate is 2,000 kWh; for other classes, different values apply (e.g., N1: 3,000 kWh, N2/N3 significantly higher, M3 Bus: 72,000 kWh). This calculator reflects exactly this logic: You can choose "Flat Rate (Estimate)" or – if you have real data – enter the metered kWh.
After that, the calculator translates the kWh into a calculated CO₂ reduction (t CO₂e). Because factors (electricity mix, regulatory assumptions, market price) can change, this step is deliberately implemented as a transparent benchmark value: You see and control the conversion value "t CO₂e per kWh" yourself. In Flex Mode, a gross value ($/t CO₂e) is calculated from this and then offset against your payout share and optional fees. In Fixed Mode, you can enter the guaranteed bonus per vehicle directly – ideal if you have a concrete offer.
FAQ
1) Who is basically eligible?
In practice, owners of pure battery-electric vehicles (and depending on regulation, certain other fully electric classes) are relevant. Plug-in hybrids are generally considered ineligible in common provider information because they do not drive exclusively emission-free. The decisive factors are always the applicable legal requirements and the evidence (e.g., Vehicle Registration Document Part I).
2) Do I really have to prove how much I charge?
Not necessarily. A flat-rate estimate can be used for non-public charging. That is exactly what the "Flat Rate (Estimate)" mode is for. If you are an operator of public charging points or record measured values cleanly, you can choose "Metered" instead and enter the kWh.
3) Why is there Fixed and Flex?
Fixed means: you get a guaranteed sum (usually per vehicle), regardless of how well the provider sells your certificate later. Flex means: you get a share of the actual sales revenue – this can be higher, but carries more risk. The risk slider gives you a simple decision aid.
4) What does "Payout Share" mean?
Providers often keep a part as margin/service costs. If you set e.g. 80%, this means: 80% of the calculated gross value goes to you, 20% remains with the provider (plus possibly fixed fees). This is extremely helpful for comparing different offers.
5) Which values should I enter if I am unsure?
Use the defaults (Estimate + Benchmark t/kWh) as a starting point and then step-by-step replace them with real offer values: Fixed Bonus or Market Price, Payout Share, Fees. This turns the calculator from an "estimator" into your personal offer comparison.
6) Is the GHG bonus taxable?
This depends heavily on whether the vehicle is used privately or belongs to business assets. Privately, it is often described in consumer guides as not reportable; commercially, it can be operating income. Please clarify this in doubt with a tax advisor – this calculator only provides calculation values, no tax advice.
7) Do I automatically get money every year?
No. You typically have to reapply every calendar year or ensure that your contract is not extended unnoticed. Some providers work like a subscription, others only on a yearly basis. Check deadlines and cancellation conditions so that you do not "give away" the quota.
8) Why do payouts deviate so much from the market?
Because several things come together: Regulation, demand from companies subject to the quota, available certificates, timing of the sale, and the provider's business model. That is exactly why transparency is important – and exactly why this calculator shows gross, share, fees, and net separately.
Legal Note: The calculator is an information tool. No legal or tax advice. Always check the current conditions of a provider and the official requirements for your quota year.
THG-Quote (Treibhausgasminderungsquote): The EV Cash Bonus Explained
The Treibhausgasminderungsquote (THG-Quote) is a German regulatory instrument under the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG). Fuel companies are legally required to reduce the greenhouse gas (GHG) intensity of their fuel mix by a set percentage each year. They can meet this obligation by purchasing THG certificates from EV owners — turning your "green electricity" consumption into a tradeable CO₂ credit worth real money.
- EV Registration → kWh EntitlementBased on your EV type (passenger car, e-bike, commercial), a fixed annual electricity consumption is assumed per vehicle (e.g., ~2,000 kWh/year for a passenger car). This is the basis for calculating your CO₂ credit volume.
- CO₂ Equivalent CalculationThe assumed kWh × a CO₂ reduction factor (based on the difference between EV electricity emissions and fossil fuel reference values) = your annual THG volume in tonnes of CO₂-equivalent.
- Market Price × CO₂ Volume = Your BonusThe THG certificate price (€/tonne CO₂) fluctuates with market demand. Multiply your CO₂ volume by the current market price to get your annual THG bonus per vehicle. The calculator supports multiple vehicles and e-bikes.
- Optional: Charging Station IncomeIf you operate a public or semi-public AC/DC charging point, you can additionally earn THG certificates for the electricity dispensed. Enter your annual dispensed kWh to include this revenue stream.
THG-Quote Prices: Why They Dropped and What to Expect
The THG market was extremely lucrative in 2022–2023 (EV owners received 250–350 € per car), but prices collapsed in 2024 due to market saturation and regulatory changes. Understanding this context helps set realistic expectations:
| Year | Typical price range | Key driver |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 270–350 € / car | New market, high demand from fuel companies, few EV owners registered |
| 2023 | 100–220 € / car | Rapid EV fleet growth; more certificates → lower prices |
| 2024 | 20–70 € / car | Market oversupply; reduced Diesel/Petrol pool with lower quota obligations |
| 2025–2026 | 30–100 € / car (est.) | Higher quota targets (5–6% by 2026) may partially re-stabilize prices; still below 2022 peak |
The price in the calculator is a user-editable input — always check current market offers from THG aggregators (e.g., ADAC, EnBW, Digital Charging Solutions) before submitting your certificate. Aggregators typically pay a flat guaranteed price; spot market prices can be higher but involve more risk.
Which Vehicles and Chargers Qualify?
| Vehicle / Asset Type | Qualification | Annual kWh basis | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery EV (BEV) – Passenger Car | Fully eligible | ~2,000 kWh/year | Must be registered in Germany; one submission per VIN per year |
| Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | Eligible (partial) | ~500–700 kWh/year | Lower bonus due to lower assumed electric share |
| E-Bike / E-Scooter (45 km/h) | Eligible | ~100–150 kWh/year | Bonus much smaller (~2–8 € at current prices) |
| Electric Bus / Truck | Eligible (commercial) | Higher; type-specific | Fleet operators often earn significant amounts |
| Public Charging Point (AC/DC) | Eligible | Actual dispensed kWh | Requires metering data; higher volumes possible for high-traffic points |
| Hydrogen FCEV | Separate quota | Type-specific | Uses different multiplier; included in the THG system but less common |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit my THG-Quote myself or do I need an aggregator?
Legally you can submit directly to a fuel company, but in practice all consumer-facing submissions go through THG aggregators (Dienstleister). Aggregators handle the UBA (Umweltbundesamt) registration, certificate generation, and sale to fuel companies in exchange for a service fee. You receive a fixed payout per vehicle per year. The difference between aggregator payout and market price is the aggregator's margin. Comparing offers from multiple aggregators before committing is worthwhile, as prices can vary by 20–40 €.
How often can I submit per vehicle per year?
Once per calendar year per registered vehicle (VIN). You can submit for the full year upfront (typically January–March for the previous or current year). If you acquire a new EV mid-year, most aggregators pay a prorated bonus. You cannot split a single vehicle between multiple aggregators for the same year.
Is the THG bonus taxable?
For private individuals using their EV exclusively for personal transport, the THG bonus is generally considered a private transaction and is tax-free under current BMF guidance (as of 2024). If you use your EV for business purposes, the bonus may need to be declared as business income. Fleet operators and charging station operators treat THG income as regular business revenue. When in doubt — especially for commercial vehicles or charging infrastructure — consult a Steuerberater.
What is the GHG quota target and how does it affect my bonus?
The German Greenhouse Gas Reduction Quota (THG-Quote) requires fuel companies to achieve a minimum GHG reduction in their fuel pool, rising from ~8% in 2023 to ~25% by 2030 (Bundesimmissionsschutzgesetz §37a). Higher targets = higher demand for certificates = potentially higher prices. However, supply also increases as the EV fleet grows. The net effect on prices depends on the balance between rising obligation levels and the growing certificate supply from more EVs — which is why prices have been volatile and unpredictable.
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