Major car tax changes ahead as certain drivers set to pay £190 charge next year - Daily Record

Millions of motorists have been alerted to a significant change in car tax rules that will come into effect next year, with the most affected models being identified.

Starting from April 2025, electric vehicle (EV) owners will be required to pay road tax. Despite previously being exempt from this levy, EVs will no longer enjoy this privilege from next year.

Motorists will be hit with a £190 charge, a development that may surprise EV owners who are used to not paying tax. This move will align EVs with petrol and diesel vehicles, which have until now been subject to tax, partly as a means to encourage drivers to transition to electric.

However, with an increasing number of EVs on our roads, the Government is keenly aware of the potential drop in tax revenue, reports BirminghamLive. 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
BMW i4
Volkswagen ID.4
SKODA Enyaq iV

The Tesla Model Y was the top selling electric vehicle of 2023(Image: Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Owners of these vehicles are being advised to brace themselves for tax bills from next year. Those who own electric cars registered between April 2017 and March 2025 will face a bill of £190, although the Government has indicated that this rate could still change.

The statement read: “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.”