Ford Pick-Up Trucks Avoid Upcoming VED Tax Increase as Commercial Vehicles
In a significant development for motorists, Ford has confirmed that its pick-up trucks will be exempt from the forthcoming Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) car tax changes set to take effect in April 2026. This exemption comes as owners of brand new, highly-polluting petrol and diesel vehicles face substantial fee increases, with annual charges rising from £5,490 to £5,690.
Commercial Vehicle Classification Provides Tax Relief
The exemption stems from Ford's pick-up trucks being officially listed as commercial vehicles, specifically falling under the "light goods vehicles" category. This classification, which also includes vans and many other pick-up models, subjects these vehicles to different VED pricing structures compared to standard passenger cars. According to reports from the Express, this distinction will shield Ford pick-up owners from the impending tax hike affecting other vehicle types.
Luxury Car Supplement Also Increasing
Simultaneously, the Expensive Car Supplement (ECS), commonly referred to as the 'luxury car tax,' is set to rise from £420 to £435 annually. This additional fee was originally introduced by the Conservative Party government in April 2017 and applies to all new cars costing more than £40,000. Initially, electric vehicles were exempt from this £425 flat rate charged to petrol and diesel cars exceeding the price threshold.
However, this exemption changed on April 1, 2025, when hybrid and electric car owners became subject to the same rates as drivers of traditional combustion engine vehicles. The current Labour Party government has further adjusted the policy by increasing the price threshold at which electric vehicles become liable for the tax to £50,000.
Retrospective Application and Financial Implications
This threshold change applies from April 2026 but will be implemented retrospectively to cars sold from April 2025 onward. Automotive resource WhatCar? has highlighted the financial impact, noting: "Currently, the expensive car supplement rate is £425 a year for the five years following the first tax payment made when the car is a year old. That's on top of the standard second-year-onwards rate of £195 – meaning you'll pay £620 annually if you purchase a car costing above £40,000 until it reaches six years old. This totals an extra £3,100 in VED over six years."
The upcoming VED changes represent a significant shift in vehicle taxation policy, with Ford pick-up trucks emerging as notable exceptions due to their commercial classification. As April approaches, motorists are advised to review how these adjustments might affect their vehicle expenses, particularly those considering purchases of new high-pollution or luxury vehicles.
