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New VED Measures from April 2025
From 1 April 2025, registered keepers of electric, zero or low emission cars, vans, and motorcycles in the UK will need to pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) in the same way as owners of petrol and diesel vehicles. Previously, these cleaner vehicles enjoyed exemptions and significantly lower tax bands.
According to the UK government’s guidance, this move removes Band A (where the VED was £0 for low emission vehicles) under the current system. Vehicles in that band will shift to the first band where a rate becomes payable. These changes apply to both new and existing vehicles, signaling a major shift in the government’s approach to vehicle taxation and environmental strategy.
How the Changes Will Affect Different Vehicles
Electric, zero or low emission cars registered on or after 1 April 2025
For vehicles first registered on or after 1 April 2025, the first year of vehicle tax will be set at a low introductory rate of £10. From the second tax payment onwards, owners will pay the standard rate of £195.
Electric, zero or low emission cars registered between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2025
These cars, which previously benefitted from zero VED, will now move directly to the standard rate of £195 per year.
Electric, zero or low emission cars registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017
Older zero or low emission cars will shift to the first band that has a VED value. This band carries an annual rate of £20.
Hybrid and Alternatively Fuelled Vehicles (AFVs)
The £10 annual discount for hybrid and AFVs will be removed. Moving forward, the rate you pay depends on the vehicle’s original registration date:
- Registered before 1 April 2017: The VED depends on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions. This could vary based on current rates.
- Registered on or after 1 April 2017: The standard rate will apply (currently £195).
Electric Vans and Motorcycles
Electric Vans: Most electric vans will move to the standard annual rate for light goods vehicles. These rates align with conventional vans, ending their zero-rated status.
Electric Motorcycles: Electric motorcycles and tricycles will shift to the annual rate for the smallest engine size. While still generally low, they will no longer be completely exempt.
Additional Rate (Expensive Car Supplement)
From 1 April 2025, new electric and zero emission vehicles with a list price exceeding £40,000 will not only face the standard rate but also the expensive car supplement for the first 5 years from the start of the second licence. This move closes the previous loophole where high-value EVs could avoid the extra tax payment.
Why These Changes Matter
The introduction of these VED charges for electric, zero and low emission vehicles aligns with the government’s long-term approach to ensure fair taxation across all vehicle types. As electric vehicle sales climb, these policy adjustments aim to maintain consistent tax revenue and encourage the continued growth of the electric market in a more balanced, revenue-neutral way.
While this may be seen as a setback by some EV and hybrid owners who enjoyed zero or reduced VED, the changes could also push manufacturers to innovate further, driving efficiency and lower costs for consumers in the long run. Additionally, it encourages owners to keep track of their vehicle’s VED status, ensuring ongoing compliance with evolving regulations.
In summary, from April 2025, the landscape of vehicle taxation in the UK is changing. Electric and low emission vehicles will be drawn into the standard VED framework, reflecting both the growth of the EV market and the government’s ambition to create a level playing field for all vehicle owners.