Registered keepers of electric, zero or low emission cars, vans and motorcycles will need to pay vehicle excise duty (tax) from 1 April, 2025.
Electric, zero or low emission cars registered on or after 1 April 2025
If you own one of these vehicles, you will need to pay the lowest first year rate of vehicle tax at £10 from 1 April 2025. From the second tax payment onwards, you will pay the standard rate of £195 per year.
Electric, zero or low emission cars registered between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2025
Owners of these vehicles will pay the standard annual rate of £195.
Electric, zero or low emission cars registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017
These vehicles will move to the first band that has a VED value. This will be £20.
Hybrid and alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs)
The £10 annual discount for hybrid and AFVs will be removed, and the rate will depend on when the vehicle was first registered. If the vehicle was:
- Registered before 1 April 2017 – this rate will depend on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions (check the current rates for these vehicles).
- Registered on or after 1 April 2017 – this will be the standard rate (£195).
Electric vans
Most electric vans will move to the standard annual rate for light goods vehicles. Check the current rates for these vehicles.
Electric motorcycles
Electric motorcycles and tricycles will move to the annual rate for the smallest engine size. Check the current rates for these vehicles.
Why is the electric car tax coming in?
The government stated in the 2024 Autumn Budget that these changes are being brought in to “increase the incentives towards new zero-emission cars at the point of purchase, and support take-up of new electric vehicles, which is crucial to achieving Net Zero. Revenue from this change will also help support public services and infrastructure across the UK.”
The government plans to use the EV tax to recoup a potential £35 billion tax black hole.
What are the benefits of an electric vehicle?
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular around the world, with the International Energy Agency stating that nearly 14 million electric cars were sold globally in 2023. There are a number of benefits when it comes to driving an EV.
Environmental benefits
- Zero emissions – Electric vehicles don’t contribute to air pollution.
- Sustainable charging – Some EVs can be charged via renewable energy sources like solar or wind power.
Economic benefits
- No fuel costs – Electricity is generally cheaper than petrol or diesel.
- Reduced maintenance – There are less moving parts in an EV, meaning less maintenance.
Are there any incentives for driving an EV?
There are a number of electric vehicle (EV) incentives including grants for charging points, workplace charging schemes and electric car sacrifice schemes.
Company car users have been enjoying a Benefit-in-Kind taxation of just 2% but this will also rise to 3% from April. This rate is still lower than cars with higher CO2 ratings
In 2022, the government announced a £20 million pilot scheme designed to improve access to electric vehicle charging points in the following areas:
- Barnet
- Dorset
- Durham
- Kent
- Midlands Connect (with Lincolnshire as a lead authority)
- North Yorkshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Suffolk
- Warrington
This scheme will help create new EV infrastructure, including petrol station-style charging hubs. It is also now a legal requirement for all new-build houses and supermarkets to have charging points.
Sources
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/vehicle-tax-for-electric-and-low-emissions-vehicles
https://www.rac.co.uk/drive/electric-cars/running/electric-car-road-tax-guide-do-i-need-to-pay/
https://www.confused.com/car-insurance/guides/ev-tax-introduced
https://www.homebuilding.co.uk/news/electric-car-charging-points-law
