Starting April 2026, 59 car models from 24 manufacturers, including popular brands like Ford, BMW, and Mercedes, will face a significant first-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) charge of £5,690. This dramatic increase follows changes to VED rates implemented by the UK government, which are part of an effort to transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles. As part of the changes, buyers will have to pay much larger sums for the first year of ownership, marking a notable shift in the taxation of new vehicles.

These increases in taxes have raised concerns among buyers and industry stakeholders, especially given that some models saw increases of £2,745 last year. The tiered structure for the new rates means that vehicles with higher CO2 emissions will experience the most significant hikes in charges, nearly doubling from the rates observed in 2024. Such costs are likely to impact consumer choices and could encourage a shift towards electric vehicles as buyers look to avoid these punitive levy increases.

The government's decision underscores a commitment to environmental regulations aimed at reducing emissions, but it also places a heavy financial burden on consumers purchasing new cars. As the April 2026 deadline approaches, it will be crucial for potential car buyers to review their options and be aware of these upcoming changes, which could influence the automotive market in the coming years.