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Everything you might want to find out about automobile tax and VED in 2024

To legally drive your automobile, you want to concentrate on sure taxes. Possibly crucial of those taxes is car excise obligation, typically abbreviated to VED. 

But what’s it, and the way do you pay for it? We’ve gathered all the knowledge you might want to know to make sense of all of it proper right here. Read on to search out out what car excise obligation is, which autos it covers and the way you’re speculated to pay.

What is car excise obligation (VED)? 

Vehicle excise obligation is a tax paid yearly by drivers of autos which are pushed or parked on public roads. The tax covers the entire of the United Kingdom (that’s England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). 

It covers vehicles, bikes, mild items autos and heavy items autos. Taxes on vehicles aren’t a latest growth, however a number of issues have modified over time. 

VED was launched in its present kind in 2001 as a part of what the federal government claimed was a push to scale back the quantity of pollution launched into the environment. 

Where the confusion comes for a lot of drivers is the title of this particular tax. Despite typically being known as ‘road tax’, VED isn’t a tax on the highway – it’s on the autos that use it. Road tax was abolished within the Nineteen Thirties.

While many people aren’t followers of taxes, VED does herald a big sum of money for the federal government. It supposedly introduced in £7.4 billion in 2022/23 in line with the House of Commons library, and this determine is predicted to rise to £9.4bn by 2027/28. 

As of 2015’s price range, which was launched by then-chancellor George Osborne and applied in 2020 by present prime minister Rishi Sunak, all cash raised via VED goes again into sustaining the maintenance of the UK highway system. 

Further modifications got here in 2020, partly in a bid to extend the attraction of electrical car possession. VED was uprated in keeping with the retail costs index (RPI) for vehicles, vans, bikes and bike commerce licences, and switched from utilizing the NEDC emissions scale to the WLTP system to determine

How is car excise obligation calculated? 

Since 1999, VED has been calculated in line with the CO2 output of your car. Vehicles emitting extra pollution value extra to tax, as a part of efforts to steer drivers to contemplate shopping for cleaner autos.

Cars registered from 1 March 2001 to 31 March 2017 are taxed based mostly on their CO2 emissions. Cars registered on or after 1 April 2017 pay a first-year determine in line with their emissions. This will, after all, be totally different for each automobile. 

All vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2017 pay the identical flat price from the second yr and past, however vehicles with an inventory value of greater than £40,000 pay a premium, known as ‘expensive car supplement’, from years two to 6 of registration. 

Cars

Did You Know Dodge Offered A V10 Powered Challenger From The Factory?

It seems Dodge was effectively conscious of the inherent threat of promoting the severely souped-up Challenger to the general public, and the Mopar group reportedly required patrons to signal an settlement that they might not use the car on public roads. Given that the automotive got here with out energy steering, air-con, warmth, windshield wipers, or rear seats, one has to wonder if anybody was trying to take it out for an off-the-cuff Sunday spin.

As it was, the V10 Dodge Challenger was clearly constructed for racing, with Dodge going as far as to suit the car with racing slicks. They additionally provided patrons the possibility so as to add a roll cage, security harness, and mesh home windows for a further $7,900. Those who needed their Challenger painted something aside from primer white needed to cough up one other $6,900. Tally up one other $700 when you needed to decorate up the primer white with Mopar-branded wrap decals, and people prices got here on prime of the car’s already lofty $85,000 price ticket.

Given the associated fee and restricted usability of the V10-powered Dodge Challenger, one can think about on a regular basis drivers — even these with a penchant for muscle vehicles — weren’t precisely lining up at native dealerships to purchase one. As such, Dodge properly restricted manufacturing of the V10 Challenger, producing simply 70 of the autos. Price and limitations apart, one can nonetheless think about Dodge did not have a lot bother unloading all 70.

News

This Rare Automatic Husqvarna Dirt Bike Just Sold For $6K

Husqvarna is an concept that’s been round for a very long time. As you are most likely conscious, it began out making weapons (for heaven’s sake, the brand is a rifle sight), even supplying the Swedish army throughout a part of its historical past.

Over time, like many corporations do, it received acquired by different corporations and shifted focus. After being round for properly over a century, you will discover the Husqvarna title on bikes, stitching machines, and chainsaws. While they are not all the identical firm in 2023 (or owned by the identical dad or mum firm, as is the case with Yamaha), they’re all totally different twisty branches off of the identical authentic Husqvarna tree. 

After intervals of possession by Electrolux (sure, the identical one that also makes vacuum cleaners and washing machines) and Cagiva, Husqvarna Motorcycles ultimately ended up below KTM possession in 2013. It nonetheless stays below that umbrella in 2023.

Notably, a few of Husqvarna’s staff objected to transferring to Italy when Cagiva took over, in order that they shaped Husaberg in response. As KTM notes in its official timeline, its buy of Husqvarna from Cagiva introduced Husqvarna and Husaberg (which KTM already owned) again collectively once more.

This 1984 Husqvarna 500 AE, Though

Before KTM and Cagiva, although, there was Husqvarna’s automatic enduro bike project. Originally initiated to assist first-time riders who joined the Swedish military to extra simply be taught to journey, Husqvarna quickly began experimenting with utilizing its computerized drivetrain in motocross bikes. 

As British dirtbike YouTube channel 999Lazer delves into with a useful historic timeline, the experiment proved to be fairly profitable in competitors, each in Europe and within the AMA. Thanks to its competitors success, Husky determined to strive providing a buyer model in showrooms, which is why this 1984 Husqvarna 500 AE got here into being.

It was supplied on the market at the latest Iconic Auctioneers basic motorbike public sale within the UK, the place it offered for a cool £4,963 (or about $6,257). While 999Lazer attended the public sale and bid on the bike as a result of it is bizarre and so they wished to strive it out, they sadly did not find yourself successful the day.

The Rise Of Electric Bikes Brings The Circle Back Around

While it is a distinctive piece of Husqvarna and dirtbike historical past, it is also attention-grabbing to notice how the arrival of electrical bikes (and electrical grime bikes specifically) has introduced the notion of computerized motorcycling again into play. 

Several years in the past, in case you have been the kind of particular person to go to classic bike reveals, you would possibly see the odd Hondamatic right here and there. They have been, with out fail, offered as relics of the previous, of an experiment in motorcycling that hadn’t gone over in addition to the corporate hoped, and had thus been left behind. 

Although some electrics have opted for gears and clutches, most have forgone the additional complexity. Why? Very merely, as a result of it isn’t crucial. From the standpoint of simplicity, why add additional stuff that may break in case you do not want it?

Having ridden some electrics now (and all with out clutches), I can say from expertise that it takes somewhat getting used to. However, the massive distinction with an electrical bike versus an computerized combustion bike is that there is not any lag time in energy supply. It’s simply there on the electrical, and also you’re able to go. 

With that exact electrical benefit, has the time come for computerized grime (and different) bikes? Let us know within the feedback.

News

Tesla Drag Strip Mode: What It Is And How It Works

Many people are now aware of the incredible acceleration capabilities of battery electric vehicles (BEVs). These EVs can achieve faster acceleration times than most internal combustion engine hypercars, which traditionally take around 3 seconds to reach 0-60 mph and over 10 seconds to complete a quarter-mile. Tesla, however, has pushed the boundaries with their Model S Plaid sedan, boasting a quarter-mile time of under 9 seconds and a claimed 0-60 mph time of under 2 seconds. Other EVs like the Lucid Air Sapphire have achieved even faster times.

To harness this power, Tesla has developed a specific launch setting called Drag Strip Mode. In this article, we will explore how it works.

Drag Strip Mode Temperature Management

Red Tesla Model S Plaid
Tesla

Drag Strip Mode is designed to optimize straight-line acceleration from a standstill. When the mode is selected, several actions are initiated. Firstly, the fans start cooling the drive units, as they generate the most power when they are cool. Simultaneously, the battery pack is warmed up to an ideal temperature range. These temperature conditions ensure that the car’s components are ready for maximum performance.

The Model S Plaid, for instance, features three electric motors – one for each rear wheel and one for the front wheels, creating an all-wheel drive system. This AWD configuration is crucial for achieving quick acceleration, as the instantaneous torque delivery from the electric motors could result in the rear or front wheels spinning instead of propelling the car forward.

Tesla Model S Plaid Specs

Motor Layout

Tri-motor AWD

Horsepower

1,020 hp

Torque

1,050 lb. ft.

0-60 MPH

1.99 sec.

Top Speed

200 mph

Range

396 miles

Base MSRP

$86,090

For the Model S Plaid, achieving the impressive 1.99-second 0-60 mph time requires the proper setup. This means making full use of Drag Strip Mode, finding a road or drag strip with sufficient grip, and ensuring the tires are appropriately warmed up.

Pull Up To The Line And You Get Cheetah Stance

2021 Tesla Model S Plaid
Tesla 

Once Drag Strip Mode is activated and the instrument panel indicates that the vehicle is “Peak Performance Ready,” the driver can pull up to the line and initiate the launch sequence. By applying the brake pedal firmly with their foot and pressing the accelerator pedal with their right foot, the car enters what Tesla calls the “Cheetah Stance.” This stance is designed to ensure maximum acceleration by lowering the suspension, with the front suspension being lowered more than the rear. This positioning allows for weight transfer to the front wheels, providing extra grip for improved power delivery. Once the Cheetah Stance is engaged, the instrument panel confirms that Drag Strip Mode is ready, and the driver can release the brake to launch the car as fast as possible.

Drag Strip Mode can be turned off at any time, but if left on, it will automatically deactivate after three hours. It is important to note that while Drag Strip Mode offers incredible acceleration, it should only be used on a closed circuit.

Only Available On The Model S And Model X

Black Tesla Model S Plaid
Gestalt Imagery / Shutterstock

The Drag Strip Mode is currently available on the Tesla Model S and Model X. These two models feature electronically controlled air suspension, which is essential for activating the Cheetah Stance. Other Tesla vehicles like the Model 3, Model Y, and Cybertruck do not currently offer this feature, as they lack the necessary suspension and high power output. Tesla’s decision to limit Drag Strip Mode to its high-performance models helps maintain their prestige in terms of street credibility.

A Couple Of Caveats

2023 blue Tesla Model S Plaid
Tesla

While using Drag Strip Mode provides maximum off-the-line acceleration, there are a few important considerations for Model S and Model X owners.

  • Firstly, enabling this mode drains the battery faster, as the cooling fans and battery heating consume additional energy.
  • Secondly, in cold weather conditions, the effectiveness of cabin heating may decrease, as the heat pump must prioritize keeping the battery warm for optimal power delivery.
  • Lastly, due to the incredibly fast launch, drivers must exercise caution and only use Drag Strip Mode in closed circuit environments. Using this mode on public roads is dangerous, irresponsible, and inconsiderate, given the limited reaction time and the lowered ground clearance of the vehicle.

Despite these caveats, Drag Strip Mode offers an exhilarating experience for Model S and Model X owners, making track days a truly thrilling experience.

News

BMW Motorrad Days Americas To Welcome Fans For First Time In October 2023

In celebration of BMW Motorrad’s 100th anniversary, the company has been hosting various events throughout the year. In April 2023, they released a coffee table book, followed by the BMW Motorrad 100 Years Anniversary Exhibition the following month. In July, during the BMW Motorrad Days in Berlin, they showcased a special custom R 18 build. The event reportedly attracted over 32,000 fans.

Building on the success of these events, BMW Motorrad will be launching the first BMW Motorrad Days Americas in 2023. The event will take place at Barber Motorsports Park in Leeds, Alabama. It will coincide with the 2023 Barber Vintage Festival from October 6 to 8.

Registration for BMW Motorrad Days Americas 2023 is now live, and attendees can expect a range of activities including a Fan Zone with live music, food trucks, a beer garden, product displays, merchandise, and a kid zone. Ride Experiences will allow participants to test ride BMW’s latest lineup, including off-road and electric demos. Stunt shows featuring Chris McNeil, a ride-in bike show for vintage and custom bikes, and a Barber Museum Scavenger Hunt will also be available. Additionally, the Double R Fest offers the opportunity to ride on track with Nate Kern, but preregistration is required due to limited availability.

To find out more information and preregister for BMW Motorrad Days Americas in 2023, visit the provided link.