Electric cars to become more expensive – will be subject to mileage tax

Earlier this year, a mileage tax for electric cars was proposed in the UK, and now it seems that the proposal will go through, even though it will take some time. This is evident from leaked information about the government’s budget.

Despite the fact that electric cars wear out the roads at least as much – if not more – than other vehicles, electric car owners in many countries are exempt from paying vehicle tax. They also do not pay any fuel tax. In order not to miss out on tax revenue and to prevent road maintenance from suffering, the British government recently proposed to introduce a mileage tax for electric cars.

– Fuel tax covers petrol and diesel, but there is no equivalent for electric cars. We want a fairer system for all drivers, said a government spokesperson to BBC.

According to the information that has now emerged, electric car owners will have to pay a new tax based on their annual mileage, which is estimated to be between 2,500 and 3,800 SEK per year. This cost is in addition to the regular vehicle tax of about 2,500 SEK per year – as of April this year, owners of electric cars manufactured between 2017 and 2025 must pay the same vehicle tax as petrol and diesel vehicles.

Also plug-in hybrids

The tax also applies to plug-in hybrids, but for these vehicles it will be half as much since they also pay fuel tax. The tax will also not be introduced until 2028.

Earlier this year, the British government introduced an electric car grant of up to 47,000 SEK, which applies to electric cars costing up to 465,000 SEK.