Motorists have been prompted to take action now and double-check their vehicle tax rates after revisions kicked in last month, with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) spotlighting car tax liabilities for particular vehicles. In a fresh update, the agency said on X, once called Twitter: “Vehicle tax has changed for electric and low emission vehicles.”
The DVLA appealed to the public to check how the alterations impact them. Delving into details, it highlighted that as of April 1, 2025, electric, zero and low emission cars, vans, and motorbikes now fall under the new taxation rates.
It then urged people to see how it affected them now. It further explained that electric, zero and low emission cars, vans and motorcycles are now subject to the vehicle tax rates introduced on April 1 2025.
For those looking to quickly ascertain their financial obligations, the Webuyanycar’s number plate checker emerges as an efficient solution – simply input your registration details to discover your vehicle’s CO2 output and corresponding tax band.
The notice from the DVLA is particularly pertinent for drivers of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and other low emission automobiles who were previously tax-exempt, reports the Daily Record.
With the onset of April 1, Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) costs have seen an uptick for almost every owner of petrol, diesel and electric cars, making it all the more vital for EV owners to be clued-up about the recent amendments. But from this date, VED fees went up for almost all petrol, diesel and electric car owners. For EV owners it’s crucial to be aware of the changes.
Electric, zero or low emission cars registered on or after April 1, 2025
Starting from 1 April 2025, you’ll be required to pay the initial vehicle tax at the lowest first-year rate of £10. From the second year onward, the standard annual rate of £195 will apply.
Electric, zero or low emission cars registered between April 1, 2017, and March 31, 2025
You will pay the standard rate of £195.
Electric, zero or low emission cars registered between March 1, 2001, and March 31, 2017
The tax rate for these vehicles is £20.
Hybrid and alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs)
The £10 annual discount for hybrid and AFVs has been removed. The rate you will pay depends on when the vehicle was first registered. If the vehicle was:
The new rates also apply to electric vans, which will now be taxed at the standard annual rate for light goods vehicles. Similarly, electric motorcycles will be taxed at the annual rate for the smallest engine size. Additionally, an expensive car supplement will apply.
This means that new electric and zero-emission vehicles registered on or after April 1, 2025 with a list price over £40,000 will be subject to the standard rate plus the expensive car supplement for five years, starting from the second year of taxation.
