CO2 Calculator Ireland
Calculate CO2 emissions and determine VRT bands for your vehicle. Convert between NEDC and WLTP values and see exactly which VRT rate applies.
Calculate CO2 & VRT Band →🍃 CO2 Emissions Calculator
Determine your VRT band and convert between emission standards
CO2 Emissions and VRT Bands
Your vehicle's CO₂ emissions determine which VRT band applies, directly affecting how much tax you pay. Here's how the system works:
Current VRT Bands (WLTP)
| CO₂ Range (g/km) | VRT Rate | Minimum VRT | Environmental Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 50 | 7% | €140 | 🌱 Very Low |
| 51 - 80 | 9% | €180 | 🟢 Low |
| 81 - 120 | 9.75% - 16% | €195 - €320 | 🟡 Moderate |
| 121 - 150 | 16.75% - 25% | €335 - €500 | 🟠 High |
| 151 - 190 | 27.5% - 35% | €550 - €700 | 🔴 Very High |
| > 190 | 41% | €820 | ⚫ Extreme |
NEDC vs WLTP - What's the Difference?
📊 NEDC (Legacy)
- New European Driving Cycle
- Used until 2021
- Less realistic testing conditions
- Generally shows lower CO₂ values
- Still used for older vehicles
📈 WLTP (Current)
- Worldwide harmonized Light-duty Test Procedure
- Mandatory since 2021
- More realistic driving conditions
- Generally shows higher CO₂ values
- Used for all new vehicle registrations
CO2 Examples by Vehicle Type
⚡ Electric Vehicles
0 g/km - Lowest VRT rate (7%), qualify for EV relief
🔋 Hybrids
20-80 g/km - Low VRT rates (7-9%), good for environment
⛽ Small Petrol Cars
90-130 g/km - Moderate VRT rates (9-18%)
🚙 SUVs & Large Cars
150-250 g/km - High VRT rates (25-41%)
Understanding Your CO2 Impact
Where to Find CO2 Values
- Certificate of Conformity: Most reliable source with both NEDC and WLTP
- Vehicle registration documents: Usually shows official test values
- Manufacturer specifications: Check model brochures or websites
- Online databases: EU vehicle databases or manufacturer lookups
Factors Affecting CO2 Emissions
- Engine size and type: Larger engines generally produce more CO₂
- Vehicle weight: Heavier cars need more energy to move
- Aerodynamics: Sports cars vs. practical shapes
- Transmission: Manual vs. automatic efficiency differences
- Drive type: FWD, RWD, or AWD affects consumption
CO2 and Climate Impact
The VRT system is designed to encourage lower-emission vehicles:
- Financial incentive: Lower CO₂ = lower VRT
- Environmental benefit: Reduced carbon footprint
- Future-proofing: Stricter emissions standards coming
- Urban access: Some cities may restrict high-emission vehicles
CO2 Calculator FAQs
Should I use WLTP or NEDC CO2 values?
Always use WLTP if available, as this is what Revenue uses for vehicles registered from 2021. For older cars, NEDC values may be converted to WLTP equivalent.
Why are WLTP values higher than NEDC?
WLTP testing includes more realistic driving conditions with higher speeds, more acceleration, and variable temperatures, resulting in more accurate (usually higher) emission values.
How much difference does CO2 make to VRT?
Huge difference! A car with 100 g/km pays 14% VRT, while one with 200 g/km pays 41% - nearly three times more on the same vehicle value.
Can CO2 values vary for the same model?
Yes, different engine options, transmissions, wheel sizes, and trim levels can significantly affect CO₂ emissions even within the same model range.