The UK government has announced a significant change to its vehicle taxation system, impacting electric car owners. Starting in April 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be exempt from vehicle excise duty (VED), commonly known as road tax. This move has sparked mixed reactions, with some welcoming a fairer system and others voicing concerns about slowing the transition to electric vehicles.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced the change as part of the Autumn Statement, aiming to “make our motoring tax system fairer.” He cited the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) forecast that half of all new vehicles will be electric by 2025, necessitating a revision of the taxation structure.
Previously, EVs enjoyed complete exemption from VED, offering a significant financial incentive for individuals and businesses to switch from traditional petrol and diesel cars. However, the government is looking to address the potential loss of revenue as fewer people pay fuel duty, another significant source of tax income.
The new system will see electric car owners pay a tiered tax:
- First Year: New EVs registered from April 2025 will be charged the lowest rate of £10.
- Second Year Onwards: These cars will then transition to the standard rate, currently standing at £165.
- Standard Rate for Older EVs: Electric vehicles registered after April 2017 will also be subject to the standard £165 annual tax.
The Chancellor emphasized that company car tax rates for EVs will remain lower than those for traditionally fueled vehicles, offering some continued incentive.
Reactions to the policy shift have been varied:
- Supporters: The RAC, representing motorists, believes the change is fair because EVs still contribute to road wear and tear and congestion. The Local Government Association also welcomed the move, arguing that EVs require road maintenance and contribute to other costs, justifying their inclusion in the tax system.
- Opponents: The AA, representing motorists, and car manufacturers like Nissan and Kia expressed concerns. They worry that the new tax will discourage people from switching to EVs, potentially slowing down the transition to cleaner transportation and delaying environmental benefits.
Furthermore, the government has removed the exemption for EVs from the expensive car supplement, meaning owners of new cars priced over £40,000, including electric models, will face an additional annual fee of £355 for five years after the second year of ownership. This has been criticized as penalizing new, potentially more sustainable, vehicle technologies.
The announcement comes amidst the UK’s commitment to banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. This raises the question of how the government will replace the lost revenue from VED and fuel duty, which currently contribute around £35 billion annually.
The possibility of “road pricing,” where drivers pay based on distance, vehicle type, and congestion, has been proposed. However, this concept has faced past resistance. The RAC believes drivers are now more open to the idea of paying tax based on driving habits.
While the Chancellor did not confirm any specific plans on fuel duty, the OBR predicts a potential 12p rise in fuel duty from April 2025. However, a final decision remains pending until the Spring Budget.
In conclusion, the introduction of VED for electric vehicles in the UK marks a significant shift in the country’s transportation tax landscape. While the government aims for a fairer system and seeks to address revenue concerns, the potential impact on the EV market and the speed of transition to cleaner transportation remain a subject of debate.
