The new SCT regulation, which came into effect in July 2025 through a presidential decree, has brought a significant change to the Turkish automotive sector. With this change, technical criteria such as engine displacement and engine power were redefined. This new tax system includes different rates for internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles. While the prices of some models have increased, others have seen noticeable price reductions due to a decrease in the tax bracket.
Changes in SCT Rates for Cars in Turkey: How Have Prices Been Shaped by the New Tax?
With the new regulation, cars are now classified into tax categories based on three main criteria: engine displacement, engine power, and the SCT base amount, which is the sales price of the vehicle. Now, SCT calculations depend not only on engine displacement but also on the vehicle’s sales price and equipment level.
For example, the SCT rates for passenger cars have been raised to different levels such as 70%, 80%, 90%, and 100%. Especially for cars in the luxury segment, most of them moved into higher tax brackets.
Not only were tax rates increased, but some base amount brackets were also revised. As a result, some popular brands in Turkey, like Renault and Toyota, gained price advantages due to the new base thresholds. However, the tax rates for pickups, SUVs, and vehicles with larger engine capacities were increased.
How Much Did SCT Rates Increase for Electric Vehicles Under the New Regulation?
Electric cars were one of the most affected vehicle groups by this regulation. Particularly for electric vehicles with engine power of 160 kW and above, the new rates are noteworthy.
The new rates, effective from 2025, are as follows:
- Vehicles with engine power under 160 kW and base amount up to 1,650,000 TL: 25%
- Vehicles with engine power over 160 kW and base amount under 1,650,000 TL: 65%
- All electric vehicles with base amount over 1,650,000 TL: 75%
As a result, many models that previously benefited from advantageous tax rates have now entered higher brackets. Notably, the prices of many electric models such as Tesla Model Y, Togg T10X, and BYD Seal U EV have increased.
However, for some electric vehicles in the lower base amount group, the SCT rate remained the same or decreased to as low as 40%, resulting in stable or even reduced prices. These differences offer new opportunities for consumers who compare car models.
SCT Rates After the New Hybrid Car Regulation
Hybrid vehicles have been placed in a separate category with the new regulation. SCT rates for plug-in hybrid vehicles were significantly increased. Previously, the plug-in hybrid tax bracket started from 30%, but now it will range from 45% to 85%.
Some hybrid models managed to stay within the same SCT bracket and maintained their prices, while most models saw price increases.
Due to the tax increase, it is expected that hybrid car sales will slow down in the short term. However, with more clear and segment-based SCT rates, consumer decisions may be easier in the medium term.
SCT Base Amount Revision and New Price Lists for Internal Combustion Engine Cars
One of the most notable changes is the revision of the base amount for internal combustion engine cars. The base amount ranges were raised, which made some low-segment cars more advantageous in terms of SCT rates.
Example price reductions:
- Fiat Egea Sedan 1.4: 1,104,900 TL → 1,043,515 TL
- Renault Clio 1.0 TCe: 1,497,000 TL → 1,455,415 TL
- Opel Corsa 1.2 Edition: 1,312,000 TL → 1,239,110 TL
On the other hand, luxury internal combustion engine cars saw price increases due to the regulation. Nearly all high-engine capacity models such as the Volkswagen Tiguan, Peugeot 5008, and Toyota Land Cruiser are now positioned in the 90% and above tax brackets.
With this change, the automotive sector is reshaping both price competition and product ranges. Manufacturers had to review their pricing policies due to the increased rates introduced by the regulation.
SCT Regulation Will Be Determining in Vehicle Selection
The new SCT system offers a more complex but targeted tax model for vehicles with different rates such as 25%, 40%, 55%, 70%, and 90%. For consumers, this new structure creates opportunities with vehicles whose prices have decreased, while causing significant price increases for some vehicles.
Therefore, those considering buying a car should carefully examine the car's engine specifications, base amount level, and the applicable SCT rates.
