Millions of motorists will have to pay car tax for the first time from next year following a major change in regulations. The models most affected have been revealed.
From April 2025, owners of electric vehicles (EVs) will be able to start paying road tax. Until now, electric vehicles have enjoyed an exemption, but this privilege is set to end in a year.
Motorists will have to pay around £190, which is a blow to electric vehicle owners who are used to tax-free rates. The adjustment will put electric vehicles on a par with petrol and diesel engines, which until now have had to pay tax while their electric counterparts were exempt, thereby encouraging the transition to electric. You can get more story updates straight to your inbox by subscribe to our newsletters here.
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However, with the number of electric vehicles on UK roads increasing, the government acknowledges the decrease in tax revenue. A list of the top 10 best-selling electric cars in the UK in 2023 has been revealed, North Wales Live reports.
Owners of these and other models are set to start expecting extra bills next year. Electric cars registered between April 2017 and March 2025 will leave their owners with a £190 demand, although the government warns that this rate could potentially change.
The government confirmed: “From 1 April 2025, drivers of electric and low-emission cars, vans and motorcycles will have to pay vehicle tax in the same way as drivers of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This change will apply to new and existing vehicles and will ensure that all drivers start paying a fairer tax contribution.”
“Electric and low-emission cars registered between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2025: you will pay the standard rate. This is £190 for 2024, but this amount is subject to change for 2025.”
The top 10 best-selling electric cars in the UK in 2023 were:
- Tesla Model Y
- MG4 EV
- Audi Q4 e-tron
- Tesla Model 3
- Polestar 2
- Volkswagen ID.3
- Kia Niro electric
- BMWi4
- Volkswagen ID.4
- SKODA Enyaq IV
Owners of these cars are being urged to prepare to pay tax from next year. Owners of electric cars registered between April 2017 and March 2025 will be hit with a £190 bill, although the government says the rate is still subject to change.
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