WHY 2026 COULD BE A BIG YEAR FOR DRIVERS

At Lodge Automotive, we always keep a close eye on the changes affecting motorists, and 2026 is already shaping up to be a big year for UK drivers. One of the biggest talking points this January has been the continued rise of electric vehicles and how government tax changes are starting to affect ownership costs.

 

From April 2026, Vehicle Excise Duty (road tax) is increasing again, and electric vehicles are no longer completely exempt from paying annual VED. Standard rates are rising for many vehicles, including EVs, meaning motorists will need to budget more carefully for running costs.

 

While that may sound like bad news for EV owners, electric cars are still proving significantly cheaper to run overall thanks to lower fuel and servicing costs. 

 

Another major talking point this month has been the future of MOT testing. New anti-fraud measures and additional EV safety inspections are being introduced throughout 2026, including stricter checks on high-voltage components and tighter controls to prevent fraudulent MOT certificates.

 

For local drivers here in Liphook, the key takeaway is simple: regular servicing matters more than ever. Whether you drive petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric, keeping on top of maintenance will help avoid costly surprises as regulations continue to evolve.

 

At Lodge Automotive, we remain committed to staying ahead of industry changes so we can continue offering honest advice, reliable repairs and quality servicing for all vehicle types.