Labour Considers Weight-Based Car Tax to Target Heavier Vehicles
A proposed new tax on vehicle weight could impact a range of popular family cars and luxury models, following lobbying by environmental groups.
The UK Labour party is reportedly considering the introduction of a new tax on vehicle weight, which could significantly increase the cost for buyers of heavier cars. This potential policy, driven by lobbying from environmental group Transport & Environment (T&E), aims to disincentivize the purchase of larger, heavier vehicles, including SUVs and electric cars.
T&E has advocated for a supplementary tax of £10 per kilogram above specified weight limits. For new petrol or diesel cars, this limit is proposed at 1,600kg, while for electric vehicles, it is 2,000kg. This would impose an additional first-year Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) charge, often referred to as a showroom tax.
Impact on Popular and Luxury Models
A number of popular family cars could be affected by this proposed levy. For instance, the Nissan Qashqai, a frequently chosen crossover, weighs 1,650kg, exceeding the proposed petrol/diesel threshold by 50kg. The Skoda Superb Estate, valued for its practicality, weighs 1,683kg, putting it 83kg over the limit. Even models like the Jaecoo 7, weighing 1,649kg, would fall under the proposed tax.
Electric vehicles are also in the scope of the proposed tax. The Mazda 6e, with a weight of 2,015kg, would be 15kg over the suggested EV limit. The Mercedes-Benz CLA Electric (2,091kg), Volkswagen ID.7 (2,106kg), and BYD Seal (2,185kg) all exceed the 2,000kg threshold, potentially incurring substantial additional costs for buyers.
More premium and luxury vehicles are also likely to be significantly impacted. The Volvo EX90, a seven-seat electric SUV, weighs 2,689kg. The BMW XM, a plug-in hybrid SUV, tips the scales at 2,700kg. Ultra-luxury models such as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan (2,730kg), Range Rover Electric (2,735kg), Bentley Torcal (2,795kg), and Mercedes-Maybach GLS (2,810kg) would face considerable penalties. Heavy-duty vehicles like the Ineos Grenadier Trialmaster (2,816kg) are also expected to be affected.
The heaviest vehicles that would be subject to the tax include the Rolls-Royce Spectre (2,945kg), the Mercedes EQS SUV (3,107kg), and the electric Mercedes-Benz G Class G 580, which at 3,160kg is the heaviest new car on sale. These vehicles could face thousands of pounds in additional first-year VED if the proposal is implemented.
Context of Vehicle Taxation
This potential weight-based tax follows recent changes to showroom tax rates. In the previous year, former Chancellor Rachel Reeves doubled charges on new petrol and diesel cars to encourage a shift towards electric vehicles. Currently, buyers of new petrol and diesel cars emitting over 151g/km of CO2 face a first-year road tax bill exceeding £1,400, with the most polluting models incurring charges over £5,600.
Richard Holden, a Conservative transport spokesman, previously suggested that Labour might also consider vehicle width in future tax calculations. Such measures are part of ongoing discussions about how to encourage greener transportation and address the environmental impact of vehicles.