Is it time for EV owners to pay road tax, or will it hinder green progress? Join The Independent Debate

With EVs set to lose their road tax exemption, some fear it could slow the shift to greener transport

Electric vehicle charging firm Pod Point has said sales for 2024 will have missed targets due to weak private sales of EVs (Yui Mok/PA) (PA Archive)

From 1 April, electric vehicle (EV) owners will no longer be exempt from paying road tax, with new rules introducing a higher band of Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).

While the first-year rate for newly registered EVs will be just £10, the annual charge will rise to £190 — still significantly lower than the £335 for vans.

Additionally, from April 2025, EVs worth over £40,000 will also be subject to the Expensive Car Supplement, adding an extra £195 per year.

Supporters argue that as EV adoption grows, it’s only fair that owners contribute to road maintenance like petrol and diesel drivers.

They point out that EVs remain cheaper to run overall, and government incentives — such as lower company car tax and grants for home chargers — still make them an attractive option.

However, critics believe these tax changes could discourage EV uptake just as the UK pushes towards its net-zero goals. With the removal of purchase incentives and rising electricity costs, some question whether enough is being done to make EVs a practical choice for all drivers.

So, what do you think? Should EV owners pay their fair share in road tax, or does this risk slowing down the transition to cleaner transport? And are there still enough incentives to make EVs a smart choice in 2025?

Vote in our poll or share your thoughts in the comments – we’ll feature the most compelling responses.

All you have to do is sign up and register your details – then you can take part in the discussion. You can also sign up by clicking ‘log in’ on the top right-hand corner of the screen.