The new car tax bands come into force in 2025 and EV drivers and motorists face paying out for the first time – but it’s been warned the new rules are coming in ‘too soon’
Motorists in the UK may be hit by changes to car tax rules sooner than expected, with new charges set to kick in from 2025.
This means drivers of electric vehicles could face tax charges for the first time. Marc Palmer, head of strategy and insights at Autotrader has warned the public, telling us it’s “too soon” to bring these charges into effect. He said: “Road tax on cars provides a substantial income to the Treasury and electric vehicles are cars after all, but it’s too soon to start taxing them at a time when consumer demand for electric vehicles is struggling.
“What we need now are more supportive reasons for people to make the switch, not more negative reasons for them not to.” Palmer clearly feels that the uptick in EV’s popularity makes it an ideal time for the UK to reaffirm its commitment to the transition and announce supportive measures.
Despite acknowledging the “compelling” total cost of ownership proposition of new electric vehicles, Mr Palmer warned that the upfront price tag might still put off potential buyers. He stated: “When they’re priced competitively, they sell. The same principle can be applied to used EVs, as the market matures and more cars are available to consumers at varying price points, interest is there to make the switch. Given that the total cost of ownership is such a key benefit to driving an EV, adding further costs however small – sends a negative message.”
From April 1 2025, vehicle tax will apply to both new and existing low-emission and electric cars, vans and motorcycles, the same as it does to petrol and diesel vehicles, , reports Birmingham Live. This move ensures a more uniform distribution of tax among all motorists.
