In the Turkish automotive market, the Special Consumption Tax (SCT) base limits applied to electric vehicles play a decisive role in consumers’ purchasing preferences and manufacturers’ pricing strategies. Electric cars, especially those with engine power not exceeding 160 kW and a base value below the determined threshold, benefit from a low SCT bracket of 10% to 25%, gaining a significant price advantage in the market.

However, due to exchange rate fluctuations, customs duties, and inflationary pressures, many well-known models are hovering right on the edge of the 25% SCT limit. Even a small increase in their prices can cause these vehicles to move to a higher Special Consumption Tax (SCT) bracket, significantly increasing their final sales prices.

• Threshold Price Poses a Risk: Many electric car models on sale in Turkey are just below the 25% SCT base limit.

• Wide Brand Range: Many well-known models, from the domestic car Togg T10X to the Tesla Model Y, from the Renault Megane E-Tech to the Volvo EX30, are positioned at this critical end.

• Significant Price Increases with Small Increases: A small increase in the tax-free prices of vehicles carries the risk of causing the SCT bracket to rise and the price reflected to the consumer to suddenly multiply.

Why is the SCT Base for Electric Cars Higher? Critical?

The tax brackets applied to electric vehicle models with motor power below 160 kW directly affect the competitiveness of these vehicles in the Turkish market. While models below the determined tax base limit can be kept in the 10% or 25% Special Consumption Tax (SCT) bracket, vehicles exceeding this limit face much higher tax rates. This situation is leading car brands to make special equipment and price adjustments for the Turkish market. Brands are sacrificing profit margins or making restrictions on equipment packages in order to keep their vehicles in the 25% bracket.

Popular Models Hovering Around the 25% SCT Limit

According to information shared by Ali Yıldırım from Dünya Newspaper, 12 different electric vehicle models that users show the most interest in in the Turkish market are currently at the critical SCT limit.

The domestically produced Togg T10X V2, with a price of 2,411,000 TL, is among the most affordable options on the list, followed by the Citroen C5 Aircross Plus at 2,430,000 TL and the Alpine A290 GTS at 2,435,000 TL. In the SUV and Crossover segment, the Ford Explorer stands out at 2,457,300 TL, the Volvo EX30 at 2,472,390 TL, and the KGM Torres EVX at 2,474,830 TL.

The Tesla Model Y, one of the world’s best-selling electric vehicles, maintains its position just below the threshold with a sales price of 2,474,985 TL. Skoda’s electric model Elroq is at the top of the price range with a price tag of 2,481,600 TL, Hyundai Ioniq 6 Advance at 2,483,000 TL, KIA EV3 Prestige and Opel Grandland Edition at 2,485,000 TL, and Renault Megane E-Tech at 2,486,000 TL.

• Alpine A290 GTS: 2. 435. 000 TL

• Citroen C5 Aircross Plus: 2. 430. 000 TL

• Ford Explorer: 2. 457. 300 TL

• Hyundai Ioniq 6 Advance: 2. 483. 000 TL

• KGM Torres EVX: 2. 474. 830 TL

• KIA EV3 Prestige: 2. 485. 000 TL

• Opel Grandland Edition: 2. 485. 000 TL

• Renault Megane E-Tech: 2. 486. 000 TL

• Skoda Elroq: 2. 481. 600 TL

• Tesla Model Y: 2. 474. 985 TL

• Togg T10X V2: 2. 411. 000 TL

• Volvo EX30: 2. 472. 390 TL

Risks for Consumers and Brands

The fact that prices are stuck between 2.4 million TL and 2.48 million TL increases the likelihood that consumers will face a higher tax bracket in the event of a possible currency update or cost increase. If the vehicle’s tax-free price exceeds the tax base limit by even one lira, the total sales price of the vehicle can experience jumps of hundreds of thousands of liras. For this reason, it is of great importance for users planning to buy a car to closely follow the changes in the tax base limit and the current pricing policies of the brands.