They said: “Electric vehicles (EVs) currently get free road tax (also called vehicle excise duty). However, from 1 April 2025, EV drivers in the UK will have to pay road tax for the first time.
“The new 2025 VED rules will affect hundreds of thousands of electric car owners and the running costs of their electric vehicles.”
However, many electric vehicle owners may have to pay even higher fees due to the “luxury car tax” that also applies.
Under the rule, vehicles worth more than £40,000 must pay a £410 charge for five years after the model was first registered.
It is believed that electric vehicle owners can have more influence on the initial cost of electric vehicles compared to combustion engine models.
The RAC added: “In addition to paying the first road tax, there will also be an expensive car tax surcharge for electric cars with a list price of more than £40,000.
“Many of the changes to road tax will be retroactive, meaning drivers who have never paid VED before will have to pay it after 1 April 2025.”
Former chancellor Jeremy Hunt first outlined the policy in November 2022, but the plan has yet to be tightened up on Labour.
HM Revenue and Customs has previously claimed that they will “continue to use the tax system to support the transition” to electric cars.
However, they stressed that the new charge will ensure that drivers “pay a fairer toll” for using the roads.
HMRC added: “This measure will affect people who own an electric car, van or motorbike.
“These people will now have to pay VED on their vehicles. The changes will come into effect on 1 April 2025. For existing vehicles, the changes to VED rates will take effect from the vehicle’s annual renewal date for the 2025-26 financial year.
