New car tax rules 'won't ever work' as drivers face £190 charge

Drivers have been warned an electric car movement "won't ever work" unless major tax changes come into force. Experts warn without more incentives drivers will not buy an electric car with motorists being forced to shell out for VED from April 1, 2025.

Steve Walker, head of digital content at Driving Electric explained that a VAT cut would be a “huge incentive” for motorists. He said: “Government help is more urgently needed in the field of EV infrastructure to boost roll-out and lower costs with a VAT cut on charging.

“All things being equal, the average motorist will prefer the driving and ownership experience of an EV over a petrol or diesel car, they just need the sums to add-up and some confidence to take the big step.” Stuart Gallagher, editor-in-chief at Evo warned that the Government needs to stop treating the motorist like a “sacrificial pawn” in a game of chess they have no idea how to play or win.

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Forcing mass consumers into electric vehicles hasn’t worked and “won’t ever work,” he warned. There needs to be a “multiple energy solution” that suits all motorists - private and commercial - “and not just the few” - he went on to say.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk, said: “Any current EV driver, or motorist who is planning on purchasing a zero-emissions vehicle must ensure they are aware of the upcoming additional charges they will face. Currently EVs are exempt from paying VED but drivers now have less than a year to prepare for the new charges which will be coming into place from the 1 April 2025. If you’ve been driving your zero-emissions car since April 2017 you will soon be subject to paying £190 of car tax. Anyone who registers their vehicle on the 1 April 2025 deadline will make them liable to pay the lowest rate (currently £10), which will be increased to £190 after the first year. These road tax charges will be affecting all current and future electric vehicle drivers so it’s important for anyone planning to buy a zero-emissions car to know what they will be expected to pay in less than a year’s time and factor these changes into their decision-making process.”