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Electric Car Tax Benefits Explained
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In November 2022, the UK government announced that as of April 2025, electric cars will be subject to vehicle excise duty (VED). Despite this eventual change, electric cars are still being recognised as the future of sustainable driving. Right now, there are still multiple electric car tax benefits available to EV drivers, which we’d like to share with you.
We know that switching to electric is rewarding, but it’s also important to remember the tax benefits of this switch, especially as we face this cost-of-living crisis. In this article, we’ll explore the various tax benefits available to electric car drivers, both individuals and companies, and how you can capitalise.Types of Electric Car Tax Exemptions
Most drivers are familiar with the numerous car taxes levied upon drivers. Many of these car taxes are implemented by the government to encourage use of lower-emission vehicles or public transport, reducing our individual emissions.
As fully electric cars are built upon the philosophy of sustainable, emission-free driving, EV drivers can enjoy exemptions from the following car taxes and charges.Electric Car Road Tax
Road tax is an annual car tax imposed by the government. Formally known as vehicle excise duty (VED), road tax is calculated by your car’s price and how much CO2 it emits.
Do electric cars pay road tax?
One of largest tax benefits of EVs has been the electric car road tax exemption. This exemption will no longer be available to EVs as of April 2025, when they will be taxed the same as petrol, diesel and hybrid cars. Drivers who buy an electric car now, such as the Kia Niro EV and Kia EV6, can still enjoy this VED exemption until then.
Since April 2020, electric cars are also exempt from the road tax surcharge that is applicable to cars over £40,000 and registered after 1st April 2017. -
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Congestion Charge
Electric cars are also exempt to congestion charges, a payment enforced for cars when entering a Clean-Air Zone (CAZ). These are currently in place in London, Birmingham and Oxford, with more planned across other UK cities.
This is a huge advantage when it comes to congestion tax for company electric cars, as they can travel within central London and other city centres without being charged. In London, the EV congestion charge exemption will end in 2025, meaning now is the best time to switch to electric and make the most of this benefit. Read more about why electric cars are exempt from congestion charges.Capital Allowance
Businesses using company electric cars are also entitled to 100% first year capital allowances, meaning you can deduct the entire expenditure for your car from your profits before tax. This could provide huge amounts of tax relief in the first year, making EVs an ideal option as company cars.
In April 2021, this regulation changed so that only fully electric cars are now eligible for the 100% capital allowance, meaning hybrid cars no longer qualify for this benefit. This regulation shift demonstrates the increasing recognition of EVs as the future of driving. -
EV charging
When it comes to EV charging, there is a saving to be made for companies with electric cars. Company electric car tax does not include fuel duty, as it normally would for petrol or diesel cars, because electricity isn’t classed as fuel.
For individuals, EVs also bring the benefit of cheaper running costs compared to petrol or diesel models. The improved economy of electric cars, along with the various other tax benefits, mean EVs still make a more economical long-term choice.Workplace EV charging
If you’re an employer, you may be able to benefit from a benefit-in-kind tax exemption by installing EV chargers at your workplace. The criteria for workplace EV charging tax exemption outlines that businesses must have:
- At least one charger dedicated to your workplace
- Charging point(s) at or near your office
- Charging point(s) that are available to all employees or all employees at a specific location -
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It’s Time to Go Electric
Right now, there are numerous electric car tax benefits available for private drivers and companies. for private and company car drivers. If you want to invest in sustainable, zero-emission driving without the hefty price tag of numerous car taxes, explore our exciting range of fully electric cars, including the new Kia Niro or the Kia EV6.
Step into the future with Kia at Sutton Park Kia in Coventry and Sutton Coldfield. -
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