Motorists are being warned about changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) that will kick in from April, leading to increased tax rates for many drivers. From April 2025, electric, zero and low-emission vehicles, which have always been taxed before hitting the road but previously had no charges, will be subject to new tax rates.
Starting from April 1, both new and existing vehicles will be charged. The amount payable will depend on the vehicle type and its registration date.
This new measure eliminates band A under the current VED system, which is currently £0. Vehicles in this band will have to transition to the first band where a rate becomes payable.
Here’s a breakdown of how cars will be affected by the VED changes and the amounts you’ll be expected to pay. Comprehensive information on these changes can be found on GOV.UK, reports Leeds Live:
- For electric, zero or low emission cars registered on or after 1 April 2025, you will be required to pay the lowest first-year rate of vehicle tax set at £10 from 1 April 2025. From the second tax payment onwards, you will pay the standard rate, which will be £195.
- For electric, zero or low emission cars registered between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2025, you will pay the standard rate, which will be £195.
- Electric, zero or low emission cars registered between 1 March 2001 and 31 March 2017 will now fall into the first band that has a VED value, which will be £20.
- Hybrid and alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs) will no longer receive the £10 annual discount. The rate you will pay will depend on when the vehicle was first registered. If the vehicle was registered before 1 April 2017, this rate will depend on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions. If it was registered on or after 1 April 2017, you will pay the standard rate of £195.
- Most electric vans will move to the standard annual rate for light goods vehicles.
- Electric motorcycles and tricycles will move to the annual rate for the smallest engine size.
- New electric and zero emission vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2025 with a 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.