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Katherine Legge confirmed to race in 2026 Indy 500

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This will be British-born Katherine Legge’s fifth Indy 500 entry, having last competed in 2024 with Dale Coyne Racing

The ‘Greatest Spectacle in Motorsport’ has another driver confirmed, with Katherine Legge taking her place in the 2026 Indy 500. 

An official entry from HMD Motorsports, in partnership with AJ Foyt Racing, will see Legge driving the No.11 Chevrolet-powered Dallara car

British-born Legge has secured primary sponsorship from E.L.F. Cosmetics for her latest attempt at the epic 500-mile IndyCar race.

Set to be the only female driver in the 2026 event, Legge’s entry comes exactly 50 years after Janet Guthrie became the first woman to attempt qualifying for the Indy 500. 

Rather fittingly, Guthrie’s ground-breaking entry into the 1976 race saw her behind the wheel of a backup car supplied by AJ Foyt himself.

Pushing boundaries in motorsport

Katherine Legge Indy 500 2026

Legge is one of the most accomplished female racing drivers in global motorsport. She holds the record for being the first woman to win a major open-wheel race in North America, and the first to lead laps in the Champ Car series.

This year marks Legge’s fifth entry into the Indy 500. The 45-year old driver last competed in 2024 with Dale Coyne Racing.

Since then, Legge has tackled the fearsome Pikes Peak International Hill Climb with Acura, along with racing in the NASCAR Sprint Cup and the Xfinity Series. 

A key part of securing entry for the Indy 500 was her continued sponsorship from E.L.F. Cosmetics. Legge became the first woman athlete backed by the company, noting that just one percent of sports sponsorship money goes to female competitors. 

This year’s Indy 500 will see E.L.F. Cosmetics bring a reimagined garage to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including a museum-style showcase of artifacts from Legge’s career. These include her first racing helmet and early karting trophies.

Ready to keep making history

Katherine Legge Indy 500 2026

Following the announcement of her Indy 500 entry, Katherine Legge commented: “We worked incredibly hard to be back at this year’s Indianapolis 500, and I don’t take a single moment of it for granted. I’m beyond grateful to E.L.F. Cosmetics for believing that women deserve to take up space in every arena – including this one. Together, we’re proving that when you invest in a woman’s dream, there’s no limit to what she can achieve. 

“It honestly feels like Christmas being back at the 500. Every time I return, I gain a deeper appreciation for what it takes – not just to compete here, but to earn the opportunity to be here in the first place. I’m reminded that I’m a small part of this enormously storied event.”

Legge joining the entry list for the 2026 Indy 500 brings the total number of drivers committed to the annual event to 33. 

The news follows last week’s announcement that Jacob Abel will make a one-off return to IndyCar with the Abel Motorsports team.

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Is it illegal to run out of fuel on a motorway?

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Fuel light roulette

We can answer this question straight away: no, it isn’t actually illegal to run out of fuel on a motorway. However, given the inconvenience, potential cost and real risk of danger, we certainly wouldn’t recommend it.

The Motorways Traffic (England and Wales) Regulations 1982 permit stopping on the hard shoulder ‘by reason of a breakdown or mechanical defect or lack of fuel, oil or water, required for the vehicle’.

The legislation goes on to say that a vehicle should be ‘allowed to remain at rest on that hard shoulder in such a position only that no part of it or of the load carried thereby shall obstruct or be a cause of danger to vehicles using the carriageway’.

Crucially, stopping on the hard shoulder is permitted only if the emergency arose after entering the motorway. So, does that make it illegal to enter a motorway with insufficient fuel? Solicitor Martin Langan says not, but the situation is far from clear:

“The regulations in relation to fuel state simply that stopping on the hard shoulder is permissible if you run out of fuel. There might, however, be a case for saying that where you knew you did not have enough fuel when you entered the motorway, then you are guilty of either driving without due care and attention or driving without reasonable consideration for other road users.

Langan continues: “Certainly, if running out of fuel caused an accident due to your sudden slowing down or stopping on the motorway, you could not rely on running out of fuel as a defence to a charge of careless driving if you knew or ought to have known that you were low on fuel.”

‘The risks are huge’

Accident on M25 motorway

This is an important point. It means that, while running out of fuel on a motorway isn’t illegal, there could be implications if it risks the safety of you, your passengers and fellow road users.

The fixed penalty for careless driving is £100 with three points on your driver’s licence. For more serious cases, a court can impose a fine of up to £5,000 and disqualification from driving.

A few years ago, a motorist was fined for running out of fuel and stopping on the M1 motorway. A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police said at the time: “Motorways are obviously high-volume, high-speed roads and the risks posed by coming to an avoidable stop are huge. Luckily there were no injuries, but the potential for a serious collision was clear.”

‘Very little sympathy’

Fuel gauge arrow and light

Nicholas Lyes, director of policy at IAM RoadSmart, said: “We have very little sympathy for drivers who run out of fuel on the motorway. There is no excuse for entering a motorway with low fuel or if you know something is wrong with your car.

“A breakdown puts you and your passengers at very high risk – many fatal crashes on a motorway involve a stationary vehicle.”

Even if you have sufficient fuel to reach a service, filling up on a motorway will be expensive. Read our guide to finding the cheapest fuel near you and brim your tank beforehand.

What if I run out of fuel on a motorway?

Motorway speed limit 80

Along with the risk of a fine, running out of fuel on the motorway also means you need to either refuel at the roadside or have your vehicle towed.

AA and RAC patrols carry jerry cans with enough fuel to get you to the nearest petrol station. Some patrol vans also have an on-board EV charger in case your electric car’s battery runs flat.

If you aren’t a member of a breakdown organisation, use one of the orange emergency telephones – located at one-mile intervals along the motorway – and call for recovery. But you can expect to pay a hefty fee for the privilege.

Overall, the message is clear: if you plan to drive on the motorway, be sure to fill up first.

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The number of ‘ghost MOTs’ has doubled in 12 months

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A ghost MOT occurs when a pass certificate is generated for a vehicle that has never actually been tested

Fraudulent MOT certificates are a growing problem in the UK, with a dramatic increase in the number of so-called ‘ghost MOTs’. 

A ghost MOT occurs when an MOT test pass certificate is created without the vehicle it applies to having been tested. 

This allows rogue MOT testers to charge for issuing a certificate without actually making an inspection. 

Whether done with the owner’s knowledge or not, issuing a ghost MOT now accounts for some 80 percent of all fraudulent test certificates according to the DVSA (Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency).

Research by Halfords found the number of ghost MOT cases recorded by the DVSA has doubled, from 976 to 1,809 during the past 12 months.

Phantom MOT certificates

Ghost MOT Numbers Double

However, Halfords believes that such numbers barely ‘scratch the surface’ of the ghost MOT problem, in part due to the way that issues are reported to the DVSA. 

Identifying rogue MOT testers relies on members of the public raising an appeal about a test certificate, or from analysing data supplied by the DVSA’s own MOT Testing System software. 

The latter can potentially identify individual testers with unusually high levels of MOT pass rates. It may also spot inspections being completed unfeasibly quickly, or an unrealistic number of certificates being issued. 

Such reporting cannot cover all instances of ghost MOTs, but is able to highlight the most dramatic instances. These include one single tester found to have issued 233 ghost MOTs alone. 

Fraud reporting saw the DVSA take action to stop 156 garages and 335 individuals from undertaking MOT testing during the latest 12-month period. In addition, 32 were prosecuted for MOT malpractice between 2024 and 2025. 

However, potential collusion between vehicle owners and testers to obtain test certificates without an inspection could mask the problem.

A ‘huge impact’ on road safety

Ghost MOT Numbers Double

Last year saw the DVSA trial a system that requires testers to photograph a car during the MOT process to prove the vehicle was actually present. 

Where there is suspicion of a ghost MOT certificate being issued, ANPR cameras can also be checked to see if a vehicle was in the vicinity of the testing location at the right time.

Andy Turbefield, MOT expert at Halfords said: “Ghost MOTs are a clear example of rogue garages and MOT Testers taking advantage of the system. The only way to be 100 percent sure an MOT has been conducted is to do another one via the DVSA appeal process. This difficulty in spotting if a car has had a ghost MOT means the official figures likely only scratch the surface. 

“However, the impact on motorists can be huge in terms of safety. MOTs check key safety components like tyres and brakes. It’s a matter of time until someone is killed. The reality is that we may have already had accidents and deaths as a result of ghost MOTs and we simply don’t know.” 

Have you been affected by fraudulent MOT activity? Let us know in the comments below.

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New Supersport 400 is the most powerful Morgan sports car ever

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Powered by a BMW-sourced turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six engine, the Morgan comes with 402hp and 396lb ft of torque

Morgan has revealed its most powerful production car to date: the new Supersport 400.

Launched as the new flagship for the British marque’s model range, the Supersport 400 is intended to signal a new era for Morgan.

Along with traditional sports cars, Morgan plans to build a series of bespoke and limited-production vehicles.

Launched last year, the Supersport is Malvern’s answer to mainstream sports cars such as the Porsche 911. This new model arguably pushes the company upwards into supercar territory.

More power and performance

2026 Morgan Supersport 400

The Morgan’s turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six BMW engine now develops 402hp and 369lb ft of torque. This 67hp gain over the regular Supersport, combined with a low kerb weight of 1,170kg, results in explosive performance.

Accelerating from 0-62mph takes 3.6 seconds, with a top speed of 180mph. Drive goes to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. A limited-slip differential is on the options list. 

Morgan has equipped the Supersport 400 with its Dynamic Handling Pack as standard, featuring Nitron dampers front and rear. These have been tuned specifically for the 400, with 24 different levels of adjustment. A new high-flow active exhaust system is fitted, too. 

Bespoke styling for Supersport 400

2026 Morgan Supersport 400

Compared to a ‘standard’ Supersport, Morgan has treated the 400 to several bespoke design touches to emphasise its performance. 

New vents in the front wings aid airflow and cooling, also giving the Supersport 400 a more purposeful appearance. 

A set of 19-inch Sportlite alloy wheels help reduce unsprung mass, and come in a silver finish with Michelin Pilot Sport 5 tyres. Buyers can specify Dark Bronze wheels as an option. 

Rather than the satin grey used for the lower bodywork on the Supersport, a gloss finish is chosen for the 400. Morgan says this reinforces ‘the relationship between design and engineering’ on the new car.

Four new satin-effect paint colours have also been created, expanding the already extensive palette on offer. Cars will be tailored to the individual requirements of each customer.

Banish the BMW gear selector!

2026 Morgan Supersport 400

The interior of Supersport 400 gains the option of an Alcantara finish on the seats and steering wheel, with single- or two-tone colour schemes in combination with the standard leather. 

For the first time on a new ‘CX-Generation’ Morgan, customers can specify a bespoke gear selector instead of the standard plastic BMW item. Finished in anodised grey aluminium, Morgan’s own gear lever costs £1,746, and looks far more befitting of a British sports car. 

Orders for the Supersport 400 can be placed with Morgan now, with prices starting at £135,558 before you delve into the array of customisation options. 

Production of the flagship Morgan will commence in May 2026, with the first deliveries to follow later this year.

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Car wheels keep getting bigger – leading to increased tyre costs

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Lotus wheel and tyre

The average petrol or diesel company car now rides on 18-inch alloy wheels and tyres – an inch larger than just two years ago.

Electric company cars in the UK have even larger wheels, with the average size growing from 18 to 19 inches since 2023.

The new data from automotive tech firm Epyx reveals the cost of replacing a single EV tyre now exceeds £200.

The average electric car tyre cost £190 in 2023 – now it’s up to £214. Tyres for combustion (ICE) cars are also pricier, rising from £109 to £122.

Britain’s big wheel bias

Kwik-Fit technician fitting a new tyre

“There are several ongoing trends here,” explained Tim Meadows, CCO of Epyx’s 1link service network.

“Most cars are getting bigger, SUVs are becoming more popular and larger wheels are preferred for cosmetic reasons.

“However, there’s no real upside for businesses operating cars. Not only do bigger wheels have a direct impact on tyre prices, but also on replacement – larger, wider tyres tend to be more susceptible to punctures and kerb damage.”

This, said Meadows, leaves automotive fleets in a position where they are spending ever more on tyres over time.

Only hybrids buck the trend

MG3 Hybrid+

Interestingly, it’s only tyre sizes for hybrid cars that have remained stable: at 18 inches since 2023. What’s more, there has been a reduction in average prices for hybrid tyres, from £181 to £166.

“There’s no obvious reason why hybrids should be less susceptible to tyre size growth,” said Meadows, “but it is reasonable to suggest these models are quite often more practical choices than electric cars – which still tend to be larger and more expensive – and petrol cars, which are sometimes bought for their performance.

“What is clear from the platform is that fleets operating hybrids are making savings on tyres.”

What size wheels does your car have? Are they bigger than your previous car – and have you suffered more punctures in recent years? Let us know in the comments.

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Volkswagen launches first hybrid Golf and T-Roc

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Both the Volkswagen Golf Hybrid and T-Roc Hybrid combine a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors

Volkswagen has revealed its first production full hybrid powertrains, destined for the Golf and T-Roc. 

While Volkswagen experimented with hybrids in the 1970s, the company has avoided ‘full’ or ‘self-charging’ hybrid powertrains until now.

Intended to complement the company’s existing mild and plug-in hybrids, the use of a Honda-style hybrid system marks a major milestone for the German company. 

Volkswagen’s rationale for introducing full hybrids is the ‘numerous advantages’ they offer when compared to a mild hybrid setup.

In particular, Volkswagen says its new Hybrid-badged models enable ‘a higher proportion of electric driving and thus lower emissions and consumption values, as well as reduced fuel costs’. 

A Hybrid version of the Golf hatchback will help it compete with the new Kia K4, which is expected to gain a full hybrid variant later this year.

Efficiency through electrification

Volkswagen Golf T-Roc Hybrid

When designing its new hybrid powertrain, Volkswagen used a similar setup to the impressive e:HEV system found in the Honda Civic and Prelude models

This sees a pair of electric motors fitted alongside a turbocharged petrol engine, plus a 1.6kWh battery pack at the rear of the car. 

One electric motor is used to drive the front wheels, with a second motor acting as a generator for the battery. The petrol engine can be engaged and disengaged directly from the drivetrain using an electronically controlled clutch. 

Volkswagen has given the Hybrid powertrains three different operating modes, with a strong focus on electric driving. At low speeds, only the electric motor is used to drive the Golf or T-Roc, with the petrol engine switched off.

A ‘serial drive’ setting sees the petrol engine active, but working as a generator to produce power for the electric motor – thus maximising battery range. 

Finally, ‘parallel drive’ switches the petrol engine to take over driving the front wheels from 37mph upwards. However, the electric motor remains available to give an extra boost when needed.

Hybrid Golf and T-Roc later this year

Volkswagen Golf T-Roc Hybrid

Drivers of Volkswagen’s Hybrid models can also choose from three different driving modes. An Eco setting limits power output to 70 percent to maximise energy efficiency, and also deactivates the boost function. 

Comfort mode provides 100 percent of the available power, along with boost, while engaging Sport mode means full power from both the petrol engine and electric motor can be deployed instantly. 

Volkswagen has not yet released full technical specifications for the Golf and T-Roc Hybrids. However, it has said they will slot into the respective model ranges between mild-hybrid and eHybrid plug-in options.

UK prices and specs will be confirmed in due course by Volkswagen, with both the Golf and T-Roc Hybrids expected in showrooms by the end of 2026.

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Production of new Volvo EX60 electric SUV gets underway

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The new Volvo EX60 is being manufactured at the famed Torslanda plant in Sweden, following extensive facility upgrades

The first examples of the Volvo EX60 electric SUV have left the Torslanda production line in Sweden.

The latest addition to the marque’s growing range of electric SUVs, the EX60 has been subject to unprecedented demand since its announcement earlier this year. 

Revealed in January 2026, Swedish Volvo customers had already placed more than 3,000 orders by March. Other European markets, including Germany, also saw a considerable number of pre-orders placed for the premium SUV.

Volvo says reservations have already outpaced the smaller EX30 when it first went on sale in 2023 – despite the new EX60 being more expensive.

Indeed, the company had already announced a need to increase production before the first EX60 left the line.

Volvo’s new electric SUV

Volvo EX60 Enters Production

Volvo will offer three different powertrains for the five-seat EX60, starting with the P6 and P10 variants due for delivery to UK customers this September. 

The entry-level P6, priced from £56,860, comes equipped with an 83kWh battery pack, delivering an official, WLTP-tested range of up to 379.7 miles. Offered in rear-wheel drive, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.9 seconds.

For £59,860, the EX60 P10 comes with all-wheel drive and boasts a larger 95kWh battery that allows up to 410 miles between charging stops. 

British customers will have to wait until January 2027 for the flagship £64,860 EX60 P12. Equipped with a sizable 112kWh battery, it delivers an attention-grabbing range of up to 503 miles.  

All models feature Volvo’s 800-volt electric architecture. This allows more than 200 miles of EV range to be added in 10 minutes using a 400kW DC charger.

An important car for Volvo and Sweden

Volvo EX60 Enters Production

Ahead of the EX60 entering production, Volvo invested heavily to modernise its Torslanda plant, which has been responsible for numerous iconic models

Having spent SEK 10 billion (equivalent to £800 million), the facility now boasts megacasting capabilities and a new battery plant, plus a refreshed paint shop and final assembly hall.

According to Volvo, the EX60 will become one of Sweden’s biggest exports in terms of value, boosting the Gothenburg region’s economy. 

“Today is an important milestone for our company and for Sweden as a whole, as we start to build the first EX60 customer cars,” said Hakan Samuelsson, CEO of Volvo Cars. 

“We are now focused on a steady ramp-up of high-quality EX60 production, making sure this game-changing car will be a profitable growth-driver in the coming years.”

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New Porsche Cayenne Coupe EV has styling inspired by the 911

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Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric

Porsche has expanded its Cayenne Electric lineup with the addition of a curvaceous Coupe version.

The Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric has styling said to be inspired by the iconic 911. The sweeping roof of the sports car is its most obvious contribution. 

According to Thomas Stopka, head of exterior design at Style Porsche, the “gently sloping roofline sweeps elegantly over the car’s broad shoulders and gives the Cayenne Coupe a particularly sporty appearance”.

However, the new design brings more than just a sleeker look. The car’s profile results in a lower drag coefficient compared to a regular Cayenne Electric SUV. 

Combined with active aerodynamics, including an adaptive rear spoiler, cutting more cleanly through the air equates to 11 miles of battery range compared to the SUV. Maximum range is up to 415 miles in the official test.

A smooth EV operator

UK prices for the Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric will begin from £86,200, with the first deliveries due this summer

The Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric is equal in length (4,985mm) to its luxury SUV sibling, and has the same 1,980mm width. However, the sportier roofline makes it some 24mm lower.

There is some compromise in terms of practicality, though. A boot capacity of 534 litres is almost 250 litres smaller than in SUV guise, although the Coupe can still tow trailers weighing up to 3,500kg.

The rear seats in Cayenne Coupe Electric will be offered in two different configurations. Customers can choose between a two-seat setup or a 2+1 arrangement, with both featuring electric adjustment. 

Unique to the Cayenne Coupe Electric is a Lightweight Sport Package, which reduces kerb weight by 17.6kg. This is achieved via a carbon fibre roof and bespoke 22-inch wheels, with classic Pepita cloth trim inside.

At the opposite end of the spectrum, a rugged Off-Road Package is on the options list too. 

Three varieties of Cayenne Coupe

Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric

As with the Porsche Cayenne Electric SUV, the new Coupe will be offered with a choice of three EV powertrains.

The standard Cayenne Coupe Electric has a power output of 408hp, with an overboost feature temporarily increasing this to 442hp. Accelerating from 0-62mph takes 4.8 seconds and it reaches a top speed of 143mph.

In what could be the sweet spot of the lineup, the Cayenne S Coupe Electric delivers a 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds and a 155mph top speed. Enabling this is a total of 544hp, with overboost allowing up to 666hp.

Topping the range is the Cayenne Turbo Coupe Electric, which musters a phenomenal 1,156hp with Launch Control engaged. In normal driving, the Turbo makes do with ‘just’ 857hp. Supercar-chasing performance means 0-62mph in a scant 2.5 seconds, plus a 166mph maximum.

As with the SUV, Cayenne Coupe Electric models will come with adaptive air suspension as standard. Porsche’s Active Ride suspension is available on Cayenne S and Turbo versions.

UK orders can be placed now

Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric

Compared to the SUV, Porsche has given the Cayenne Coupe Electric a more generous level of standard equipment. This includes a panoramic glass roof, along with the Sport Chrono Package.

The remainder of the Cayenne Coupe Electric’s interior matches its more upright stablemate, with a widescreen digital instrument panel and a large central infotainment touchscreen. A separate touchscreen for the front-seat passenger can be added, too.

Prices will start at £86,200 for the entry-level Porsche Cayenne Coupe Electric, before taking a trip through a typically extensive options list. 

Opting for the Cayenne S Coupe Electric ups the starting price to £103,100, while the flagship Turbo requires £133,300. These figures represent a premium of around £3,000 over the SUV. 

UK orders can be placed now, with the first completed cars expected in summer 2026.

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HMRC fights ruling to cut VAT on public EV chargers

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At present VAT on public electric car charging is levied at 20 percent, adding an extra cost for those unable to charge at home

A reduction in the level of VAT levied on public EV charging is being challenged by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), following a recent legal case.

Last year, a First-Tier Tribunal (FTT) heard an appeal from a not-for-profit charging company, Charge My Street, about the way in which VAT is applied to EV chargers. 

At present, using a public charger means electric car drivers must pay VAT at the commercial rate of 20 percent. Those using their own charger at home only see VAT levied at five percent. 

Charge My Street successfully argued to the FTT that this disparity should be removed, and that public electric vehicle charging should only attract VAT at the five percent domestic rate. 

Now, HMRC has announced it will seek to appeal the FTT’s decision, potentially denying cheaper charging to UK motorists.

Removing the EV charging disparity

HMRC EV VAT Charging Appeal

The arguments in Charge My Street Limited v HMRC hinged upon highly technical legal interpretations of the UK’s VAT legislation. 

In particular, Charge My Street argued that exceptions in the Value Added Tax Act 1994 applied to public EV charging, as it provides premises where drivers can charge their cars

This interpretation of public EV charging points as ‘premises’ was accepted by the FTT, meaning the five percent VAT rate would be applicable instead of 20 percent. 

Under the wording of the current tax legislation, the five percent rate would apply to the first 1,000kWh of electricity supplied to a customer at a specific charging location each month. 

Exceeding the 1,000kWh limit in a single month would mean fully recharging a typical electric car more than 15 times.

Savings for drivers, lost revenue for HMRC

HMRC EV VAT Charging Appeal

Various groups have long campaigned for the rate of VAT on public EV charging to be cut to five percent, arguing that it unfairly penalises those without access to off-street parking at home.

Previous analysis by Zapmap has found that reducing the level of VAT would typically save EV drivers without a home charger up to £145 per year. 

However, such a reduction could see HMRC losing revenue of £143 million in 2027, increasing to £315 million by 2030, according to Zapmap’s calculations.

The decision would also mean HMRC having to repay charging operators the overpaid level of VAT levied in previous years. 

However, as the Charge My Street matter was the lead case against HMRC, other UK charging point operators may now choose to bring their own challenges to the rules on VAT.

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The new electric Mercedes C-Class has been certified as vegan

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Choosing the Artico artificial leather upholstery option for the new C-Class will see the complete interior certified as being vegan

The 2026 Mercedes-Benz C-Class saloon has been officially certified to have a vegan interior.

Continuing a partnership with the Vegan Society, the latest C-Class becomes the second Mercedes-Benz model to receive the Vegan Trademark.

Last year, the related GLC with EQ Technology gained vegan certification, earning the title of the world’s first production car with an interior free from animal products, by-products or derivatives. 

By offering the same Artico artificial leather upholstery in the C-Class, the new four-door saloon has been awarded the same certification.

Along with its faux-leather seats, the steering wheel, centre console trim and all other upholstery inside the vehicle are made without any animal products.

No animal products inside

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Vegan Interior

Assessing the inside of the C-Class as being fully vegan is no small task for the Vegan Society.

All materials and components inside the car, along with the methods used to produce them, had to be audited by the Vegan Society. These included soft-touch surfaces such as artificial leather, microfibre fleece and other textiles.

Where there was any doubt about the origins of a material, a second step involved consulting with the manufacturer of the component. Parts were then replaced with confirmed animal-free items if needed.

This certification process saw almost 100 different interior parts tested in accordance with the requirements of the Vegan Trademark process. 

The Mercedes-Benz vehicle configurator will be clearly labelled with the Vegan Trademark sunflower logo when a vegan interior combination is selected for the new C-Class.

More Mercedes vegan interiors to follow

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Vegan Interior

Karen Spinner, marketing manager at the Vegan Trademark, commented: “The Vegan Trademark team is delighted to continue its relationship with Mercedes-Benz and it’s fantastic to see this beautiful new all-electric model launched with the option of a vegan certified interior.

“We have been impressed throughout the certification process by Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to offering a vegan alternative to their customers and we hope other automotive brands will be inspired to follow their lead.”

After both the GLC and electric C-Class, expect Mercedes-Benz to continue adding vegan options to future models.

However, for those who still want a traditional finish, the latest C-Class is also available with distinctive ‘Twisted Diamond’ Nappa leather upholstery.

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