How much is car tax UK? The honest answer is: it depends entirely on your vehicle's CO2 emissions, fuel type, and first registration date. Road tax ranges from £0 for electric vehicles to £2,605 for the highest-emission petrol and diesel cars. Here is the complete breakdown.

How Much Is Road Tax: The Exact 2026 Rates

Car tax UK costs follow a graduated system based on CO2 emissions. For vehicles registered from April 2025, the first-year rates are:

  • Electric vehicle (0g/km): £0 first year — £10/year after
  • Plug-in hybrid (up to 50g/km): £10 first year — £50/year after
  • Hybrid (51-75g/km): £30 first year — £50/year after
  • Small petrol (91-100g/km): £165 first year — £50/year after
  • Average family car (131-150g/km): £600 first year — £190/year after
  • Large diesel SUV (171-190g/km): £1,350 first year — £190/year after
  • Supercar (over 255g/km): £2,605 first year — £190/year after

How Much Is Car Tax After the First Year?

After the first year, all vehicles pay standard annual rates. Alternative fuel and electric vehicles pay £10/year for years 2-6. Petrol and diesel vehicles pay £190/year for years 2-6. From year 7 onwards, all vehicles pay the standard £190 annual rate — including electric vehicles.

How Much Is Road Tax for Used Cars?

Used cars pay the standard annual rate for their CO2 band — not a first-year rate. A used electric car pays £10/year. A used petrol car emitting 150g/km pays £190/year. The vehicle's age does not affect the VED rate — only the first registration date matters.

Hidden Car Tax Costs to Factor In

When asking how much is car tax UK, remember there are related costs that increase your total motoring tax burden:

  • Company car Benefit-in-Kind tax — can add thousands annually for high-value vehicles
  • London Congestion Charge — £15/day for high-emission vehicles entering central London
  • Vehicle Excise Duty surcharges — none currently for vehicles over £40,000 (abolished 2025)
  • Premium fuel duty — included in fuel price, not separate road tax

Conclusion

How much is car tax UK? From £0 to £2,605 — the answer is in your vehicle's CO2 emissions. Use our car tax calculator to get an exact quote for any vehicle registration number. For the official VED table, visit GOV.UK VED rate tables.