However, specialists have pointed out that a “foible” in the system means individuals who re-tax their cars before the end of the month could dodge the fees.
Paul Barker, editor at Auto Express explained: “A foible of the system means owners can opt to reset their annual renewal date to this month, even if they’ve still got weeks or months of their existing car tax left to run.
“Doing so will mean skipping the £195 standard charge for up to a full year, because anyone taxing an EV that was first registered after March 31, 2017, will be liable to pay VED at the standard rate from April.”
Drivers can re-tax their vehicles online whenever they like even if they still have months left until it is due for renewal.
Re-taxing a model will effectively reset the clock and mean electric car owners will not have to renew again for another 12 months.
Doing this ahead of April 1, 2025 is a masterstroke and ensures motorists can continue to use the roads free of charge until next March.
John Wilmot, CEO and founder of car leasing deals site LeaseLoco.com encouraged motorists unaware of the rule to take advantage of the scheme.
He said: “While the introduction of VED for electric cars was expected, many drivers may not realise they can in fact delay these charges for another year by renewing their tax before 1 April.
“Taking advantage of this short window to secure another year of tax-free driving is a no-brainer. It’s a simple step that could save you nearly £200, and with the deadline fast approaching, we’d encourage drivers to act now.”
