COE Categories Explained: A, B, C, D and E
Use the correct engine and power limits, understand the Open category’s motorcycle exclusion, and check eligibility for the exact registered variant.
Your intended vehicle determines which COE it needs. Check its approved registration specifications before paying a deposit or submitting a bid; the model name alone is not enough.
| Category | Scope |
|---|---|
| A | Fully electric cars: maximum power up to 110kW. Other cars: both engine capacity up to 1,600cc and maximum power up to 97kW. |
| B | Cars exceeding their applicable Category A limit. |
| C | Goods vehicles and buses within the applicable registration rules. |
| D | Motorcycles. |
| E | Open category for eligible vehicles other than motorcycles. |
Use both limits where required
A non-fully-electric car with 1,500cc and 105kW fails the power limit even though its engine is below 1,600cc. A fully electric car at 110kW falls within A; at 120kW it exceeds the A limit. These examples illustrate thresholds, not specific available models.
OMV does not determine A versus B. The $20,000 OMV boundary belongs to other financial calculations, including motor-finance assessment, and should not appear as a COE category rule.
Category is not a quality or income ranking
Vehicles in one category can differ in size, equipment and price. The category does not certify that a vehicle is an economy car, a luxury car or the best choice for a household. Likewise, the auction results cannot identify the income or occupation of its bidders.
What Category E changes
E provides registration flexibility for eligible vehicles, but cannot be used for motorcycles. Its temporary certificate has specific validity and transfer restrictions. Once a vehicle is registered, its COE cannot be moved to another vehicle.
At renewal, use the corresponding vehicle category’s PQP. There is no separate E renewal rate or guaranteed E resale premium. The original E rebate basis also needs checking before assuming all of an additional premium becomes refundable value.
Compare premiums without assuming a hierarchy
A, B and E can change relative positions. For example, A exceeded B in February 2026’s second exercise. Use the same round when calculating a spread, then compare final packages. A lower certificate premium may be outweighed by other costs.
An individual may submit only one bid per exercise. E is not a simultaneous extra personal bid alongside A or B. Read the bidding guide before using a supposed backup strategy.
What about a category review?
Keep the rules in force separate from the review. Until a change is formally announced with its details, do not assume a sixth category, a new threshold or a transition date. The five-category structure dates from 1999, rather than the original 1990 launch.
For a purchase, record the exact variant, category, final quote and certificate arrangement. Those details are more useful than a list of brands assumed to qualify forever.
Sources and review date
Reviewed on 13 September 2026. Historical results retain their exercise dates; worked budgets are assumptions, not quotations.