The DVLA has issued a fresh update to motorists ahead of a major car tax update coming into effect within hours. Yesterday, officials posted on social media that motorists have just five days until the new Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) launch.
They stress that electric cars and low-emission vehicles will be among the most affected when rules are introduced on April 1, 2025. Up until now, electric cars and low-emission models have been exempt from road tax charges. But, the discounts will come to an end with fees coming into line with petrol and diesel models.
The DVLA posted on X: “In 5 days, vehicle tax will change for electric and low emission vehicles.”
Officials have previously warned the changes will apply to both “new and existing” models.
The DVLA explained: “From 1 April 2025, registered keepers of electric, zero or low emission cars, vans and motorcycles will need to pay vehicle tax in the same way as registered keepers of petrol and diesel vehicles. This change will apply to both new and existing vehicles.
“This new measure removes band A under the existing VED system which is currently £0.
“Vehicles in this band will be required to move to the first band where a rate becomes payable.”
It means electric vehicle owners will be moved to the standard fee which will sit at £195 from April.
This is up from the current £190 charge due to increases in Retail Price Index (RPI) inflation.
If the standard fee wasn’t bad enough, many electric car owners are likely to be issued an additional £425 charge due to the Expensive Car Supplement.
This is an additional fee slapped on top of standard VED rates pushing total bills up to £620.
The ECS charge is only applied on models valued over £40,000 over a five-year period although the high upfront cost of many electric vehicles will send many owners over the threshold.
The DVLA explained: “New electric and zero-emission vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2025 with the list price exceeding £40,000 will attract the standard rate, plus the expensive car supplement for the first 5 years from the start of the second licence.”