volymklass

Volymklass is a Swedish term that translates to "volume class" or "displacement class" and is primarily used in the context of motor vehicle taxation. It refers to a classification system based on the engine's displacement, or the total volume swept by the pistons in all cylinders. This classification is used by the Swedish Transport Agency (Transportstyrelsen) to determine the annual vehicle tax levied on passenger cars and some other vehicle types.

Historically, the volymklass system was a significant factor in calculating vehicle tax. Vehicles were categorized into different classes based on their engine size, with larger displacements generally incurring higher taxes. This system aimed to encourage the use of more fuel-efficient vehicles by making larger, less efficient engines more expensive to own and operate. However, the volymklass system has been largely superseded by a new environmental-based tax system that took effect in 2018.

Under the current system, the primary determinant of vehicle tax is the vehicle's carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. While engine size can still indirectly influence CO2 emissions, it is no longer the direct basis for tax calculation. Older vehicles registered before the new system may still be taxed based on their volymklass. Understanding the historical context of volymklass is therefore relevant for comprehending past vehicle taxation policies in Sweden. The concept highlights how governments have used fiscal measures to influence consumer choices regarding vehicle size and potentially fuel consumption.