Substantial Road Tax Increase for High-Emission Vehicles in April 2026
Owners of nearly 60 car models from two dozen manufacturers are set to face a significant financial burden as road tax rates are poised to jump in April for the 2026 financial year. The first-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for these high-emission vehicles will rise to £5,690, marking a £200 increase from the previous rate of £5,490.
Details of the Tax Hike and Affected Models
This latest increase follows a major adjustment in April 2025, when the government doubled the first-year VED charges for petrol and diesel cars from £2,745 to £5,490. The fee is applicable to brand-new vehicles before they transition to the standard rate in subsequent years. The highest rate of £5,690 is specifically targeted at vehicles emitting more than 255 grams of CO2 per kilometre.
For context, first-year VED rates vary widely based on emissions, ranging from £10 for zero-emission cars to the maximum £5,690. Even vehicles with minimal emissions of 1g/km will incur a charge of £110. The average petrol car, with emissions around 143g/km, will face a £560 charge, while the average diesel car, at about 164g/km, will be subject to £1,360.
Broader Changes to Vehicle Excise Duty
In addition to the hike for high-emission models, other rule changes are impacting car owners across the board. Electric vehicles are now being charged for VED for the first time, with a pay-per-mile scheme scheduled to take effect from April 2028. For cars that have already been registered, the annual standard rate for the second year onwards will increase from £195 to £200 in April 2026.
The list of models affected by the £5,690 first-year charge includes a wide range of popular and luxury vehicles. Below is a selection of the nearly 60 models impacted:
- Audi RS6 4.0 TFSI V8
- BMW X7 M 4.4 V8
- Ford Mustang 5.0 V8
- Lamborghini Huracan 5.2 V10
- Range Rover Sport 4.4P V8
- Porsche 911 3.7T 992 Turbo
- Mercedes-Benz G63
- Rolls-Royce Cullinan 6.75 V12
- Toyota Hilux 2.8D
- Ferrari Purosangue 6.5 V12
This comprehensive list underscores the broad impact of the tax increase, affecting everything from performance cars to utility vehicles. Owners are advised to check their specific models to understand the financial implications come April 2026.
