
View the latest information on the UK's Electric Car Grant options.
Yes, electric vehicles in the UK will begin paying road tax from April 2025. Previously, EVs were exempt from Vehicle Excise Duty (VED), but the government has confirmed that all new and existing EVs will be subject to the standard rates.
This means that EV owners will pay a small first-year rate, followed by the annual standard rate depending on the car’s value and registration date.
From April 2028, the UK will introduce a mileage-based tax for electric vehicles, known as the Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED). Drivers will pay three pence per mile, with mileage verified through MOT checks rather than GPS tracking.
For the average driver covering around 8,500 miles per year, this will amount to approximately £255 annually.
EV stands for Electric Vehicle, which is a car powered by rechargeable batteries rather than petrol or diesel. These vehicles use electric motors and can be charged via home or public charging stations.
Most EV batteries are designed to last between eight and fifteen years, or well over 100,000 miles. In practice, many batteries outlast the cars themselves, and replacement rates remain very low.
Advances in battery technology continue to improve durability, meaning newer EVs are expected to perform even better over time.
EV chargers deliver electricity from the grid to your car’s battery. Home chargers, often wall-mounted, typically provide slower charging overnight, while public chargers range from fast AC units to rapid DC chargers capable of adding hundreds of miles of range in under an hour.
The type of charger you use depends on your needs—overnight charging for convenience, or rapid charging for long journeys.
The UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate requires manufacturers to sell a growing percentage of electric cars each year. In 2025, 28% of new cars sold must be fully electric, with the target rising steadily until 2035, when all new petrol and diesel cars will be banned from sale.
Electric vehicles were exempt from London’s congestion charge until December 2025. From January 2026, EVs must pay the charge, but they benefit from a 25% discount if registered with Transport for London’s Auto Pay system, reducing the daily fee to £13.50.
The Kia EV lineup offers impressive driving ranges, with the EV4 leading the way at up to 388 miles on a single charge. Close behind is the EV3, delivering 375 miles, followed by the sleek EV6 with 361 miles. For those needing extra space, the larger EV9 still provides a strong range of 349 miles, making each of these models a solid choice depending on your priorities for size and performance.
In the UK, the most useful apps for EV drivers include Zap-Map, which helps plan routes and check charger availability, and PlugShare, which provides community-driven reviews and charger information. Many networks also have their own apps, such as Pod Point for supermarket and retail charging.
For those using workplace or salary sacrifice schemes, apps like The Charge Scheme can help manage savings and access multiple networks.
Yes, EV tariffs are generally worth it if you charge your car at home overnight. These tariffs offer cheaper electricity rates during off-peak hours, often half the daytime price, which can save drivers hundreds of pounds each year.
They are especially beneficial for those who can schedule charging to take advantage of these lower rates.