Rural drivers face the steepest bills under the UK's mileage-based electric vehicle tax, according to a recent analysis. The tax, set to take effect in 2028, imposes a 3p-a-mile road charge on electric cars, which could significantly impact drivers in the south-west of England, who would pay nearly four times as much as those in London. This disparity risks creating another obstacle to electric vehicle uptake, especially as the government aims to accelerate sales. The analysis reveals that drivers in the south-west would pay an average of £110.25 extra annually, while those in London would pay just £33.09. Rural towns and villages near cities are expected to bear the highest costs, at £156.51 annually, while urban areas and cities would pay £76.02. The tax is part of a broader strategy to boost electric car sales and offset the loss of fuel duty revenues as drivers switch to electric vehicles. Despite concerns, the government emphasizes that the major savings and environmental benefits of electric vehicles remain intact, making them a practical and future-proof choice for UK drivers.
