Lotus VRT Calculator
Calculate VRT for your Lotus with model-specific considerations.
Why Lotus is Popular in Ireland
Lotus is a British name that made its reputation on lightweight sports cars. You'll see them imported here more than you'd expect, and a little homework on VRT before you buy can keep a fair bit of money in your pocket. VRT is based on the Irish OMSP — the price the car would fetch here, not what you paid abroad — so the lower-CO2 models are the smart plays.
Popular Lotus Models
Lotus Elise
Estimate VRT using the calculator above with your OMSP and CO2 figure.
Lotus Exige
Estimate VRT using the calculator above with your OMSP and CO2 figure.
Lotus Evora
Estimate VRT using the calculator above with your OMSP and CO2 figure.
Lotus Emira
Estimate VRT using the calculator above with your OMSP and CO2 figure.
Lotus VRT Bands in Ireland
VRT in Ireland is charged on a CO2 percentage basis. The lower the CO2 emissions of your Lotus, the lower the rate. The current 20-band WLTP CO2 scale ranges from 7% to 41%. The lowest band (up to 50g/km) is 7%, rising through 9% at 51–80g/km, 20% at 136–140g/km, 25% at 146–150g/km, 30% at 156–170g/km, 35% at 171–190g/km, to the top band of 41% at 191g/km and above. Electric Lotus models qualify for up to €5,000 VRT relief (tapering to zero at €50,000 OMSP). VRT relief for plug-in hybrids ended on 31 December 2021.
Because Lotus offers lightweight sports cars, buyers should compare the specific CO2 figure of each model rather than assuming all variants cost the same. Small differences in emissions can move a car between bands and change the VRT by several thousand euro.
Importing a Lotus to Ireland
Importing a Lotus from the UK or EU follows the standard Irish process: pay any applicable customs duty, pay Irish VAT at 23%, then present the vehicle at a Revenue VRT office with the registration document, proof of purchase, Certificate of Conformity, and NOx emissions data. Revenue assesses the OMSP and applies the CO2-based VRT rate. Allow two to four weeks for the full process.
Lower-CO2 and electric Lotus models are the smartest imports from a VRT perspective, while high-performance variants with emissions above 190g/km sit in the top 41% band and attract the highest charges.
Lotus VRT FAQs
How is VRT calculated on a Lotus imported to Ireland?
VRT on a Lotus uses the same CO2-based system as all Irish imports. Revenue assesses the OMSP, applies age-related depreciation (10% at 1-2 years up to 50% over 5 years), then charges the CO2-band percentage rate. Electric models qualify for up to €5,000 VRT relief (plug-in hybrid relief ended 31 December 2021).
Which Lotus model has the lowest VRT?
The lowest VRT applies to the lowest-CO2 Lotus models, especially electric variants that qualify for up to €5,000 VRT relief. The plug-in hybrid relief ended on 31 December 2021, so only fully electric models now get relief. Always check the official WLTP CO2 figure for the exact car.
Does importing a Lotus save money?
Importing can save versus Irish forecourt prices, but you must add VRT, any customs duty, and 23% VAT. Compare the total landed cost before committing.