Millions of British drivers could be hit with a huge tax increase from April. Those impacted are urged to prepare for the changes to avoid being caught out. Here are the details
Come April 2025, waves of motorists across the UK will need to dig into their wallets as major road tax alterations kick in, with a vast number facing car tax bills for the very first time. Some of the nation’s favourite vehicles will fall under this new scope and owners are being nudged to prepare well ahead to avoid the shock of unexpected dues.
In a pioneering move, up until now, electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts enjoyed an exemption from paying car tax, but those glory days are drawing to a close. EV owners will have to start paying the standard £190 fee, aligning them with petrol and diesel drivers from next April — a decision that may ruffle some feathers particularly among the eco-conscious. But it seems Treasury coffers can’t afford to overlook the burgeoning fleet of silent motors any longer.
The Government is framing this as a bid to level the playing field, touting it as a “fair” tax for every driver on the road: “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.”
