Generic picture of an electric vehicle

Drivers of these vehicles will have to pay car tax from next year

Some vehicles have been exempt from road tax since 2017, but that will change from April 2025

by · BristolLive

Millions of drivers have been alerted to a significant change in car tax rules that will come into effect next year. Starting from April 2025, electric vehicle (EV) owners will be required to pay road tax.

Despite previously being exempt from this levy, EVs will no longer enjoy this privilege from next year. Motorists will be faced with a £190 bill, a potentially unpleasant surprise for EV owners who have grown used to not paying tax.

As reported by Birmingham Live, this move will align EVs with petrol and diesel vehicles, which have until now been subject to tax, partly as a measure to encourage drivers to switch to electric. However, with an increasing number of EVs on our roads, the Government is keenly aware of falling tax revenues.

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The top 10 best-selling electric cars in the UK in 2023 were:

  1. Tesla Model Y
  2. MG4 EV
  3. Audi Q4 e-tron
  4. Tesla Model 3
  5. Polestar 2
  6. Volkswagen ID.3
  7. Kia Niro Electric
  8. BMW i4
  9. Volkswagen ID.4
  10. SKODA Enyaq iV

Owners of these vehicles are being advised to brace themselves for tax bills from next year. Owners of electric cars registered between April 2017 and March 2025 will be hit with a £190 bill, although the Government has indicated that this rate may still be subject to change.

The statement read: "From April 1, 2025, drivers of electric and low-emission cars, vans and motorcycles will need to pay vehicle tax in the same way as drivers of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles do. This change will apply to both new and existing vehicles and will ensure all drivers begin to pay a fairer tax contribution.

"Electric and low-emission cars registered between April 1, 2017 and March 31, 2025: You will pay the standard rate. This is £190 for 2024 but is subject to change for 2025."