From April 1, car tax changes will affect all drivers in the UK – but drivers of these specific models could see the sharpest rise
Drivers owning the highest-CO2-emitting cars are expected to be hit hardest by new car tax hikes next month.
Anyone who recently bought a new vehicle should double check the increased road tax rate from April 1 as the UK government will significantly increase Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles. This move aims to encourage the adoption of zero-emission cars. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced these changes in the Autumn Budget 2024, and they will particularly impact cars with higher CO2 emissions.
These VED adjustments aim to encourage the transition to electric vehicles by increasing the tax differential between zero-emission cars and those powered by internal combustion engines. This strategy aligns with the UK’s broader environmental goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable transportation.
Prospective buyers of new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vehicles should anticipate higher upfront costs due to increased first-year VED rates. In contrast, while electric cars will now incur a nominal VED charge, they remain a more tax-efficient option in the long term. Consumers are encouraged to consider these tax implications when contemplating a future vehicle.
Key changes to VED rates
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High-CO2 Emission Vehicles: The first-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for new cars emitting over 255g/km of CO2 will increase from £2,745 to £5,490.
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Moderate CO2 Emission Vehicles: Vehicles emitting between 76g/km and 150g/km will also face significant rises in their first-year VED. For instance, a Ford Puma’s rate will climb from £220 to £440.
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Low CO2 Emission Vehicles: Cars emitting between 1-50g/km will see their VED rise from £10 to £110, while those emitting 51-75g/km will experience an increase from £30 to £130.
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Electric Vehicles (EVs): Previously exempt, new EVs will now be subject to a nominal first-year VED of £10 starting in April 2025.
List of affected petrol and diesel models
The following is a comprehensive list of 59 petrol and diesel models that will be subject to the increased VED rates due to their high CO2 emissions.
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Alfa Romeo, Stelvio 2.9 V6 Bi-Turbo
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Audi, R8 5.2 FSI V10
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Audi, RS6 4.0 TFSI V8
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Audi, RS7 4.0 TFSI V8
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Audi, RSQ8 4.0 TFSI V8
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Audi, S8 4.0 TFSI V8
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Audi, SQ7 4.0 TFSI V8
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Audi, SQ8 4.0 TFSI V8
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Aston Martin, DB12 4.0 V8
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Aston Martin, DBX 4.0 V8
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Aston Martin, Vantage 4.0 V8
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Bentley, Bentayga 4.0 V8
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Bentley, Continental 4.0 V8
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Bentley, Continental 6.0 W12
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Bentley, Flying Spur 4.0 V8
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BMW, Alpina XB7 4.4 V8
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BMW, M8 4.4 V8
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BMW, X5 M 4.4 V8
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BMW, X6 M 4.4 V8
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BMW, X7 M 4.4 V8
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Chevrolet, Corvette Stingray 6.2 V8
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Ferrari, Purosangue 6.5 V12
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Ferrari, Roma 3.8T V8
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Ford, Mustang 5.0 V8
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Ford, Ranger 2.0 TD EcoBlue
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Ford, Ranger 3.0 EcoBlue
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Ford, Ranger 3.0 V6
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INEOS, Grenadier 3.0P
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Jaguar, F-Pace 5.0 P575 V8
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Jeep, Wrangler 2.0 GME
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Lamborghini, Huracan 5.2 V10
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Lamborghini, Urus 4.0 V8 BiTurbo
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Lamborghini, Revuelto 6.5 V12
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Land Rover, Defender 90 5.0 P425 V8
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Land Rover, Defender 110 5.0 P425 V8
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Lotus, Emira 3.5 V6
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Maserati, Levante 3.0 V6
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Maserati, Levante 3.8 V8
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Maserati, MC20 3.0 V6
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McLaren, GT 4.0T V8
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Mercedes-Benz, AMG GT 4.0 V8
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Mercedes-Benz, G400D
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Mercedes-Benz, G63
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Mercedes-Benz, GLC63
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Mercedes-Benz, GLE63
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Mercedes-Benz, GLS63
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Mercedes-Benz, SL55
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Porsche, 718 Cayman 4.0 GT4
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Porsche, 911 3.7T 992 Turbo
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Porsche, Cayenne 4.0T V8
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Porsche, Macan 2.9T V6
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Range Rover, 4.4 P530 V8
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Range Rover, 4.4 P615 V8
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Range Rover, Sport 4.4P V8
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Rolls-Royce, Cullinan 6.75 V12
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Rolls-Royce, Ghost 6.75 V12
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Toyota, Hilux 2.8D
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Toyota, Land Cruiser 2.8D
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Volkswagen, Amarok 3.0 TDI
Note: This list includes luxury and high-performance vehicles known for higher CO2 emissions.
