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Reeves Poised to Unveil 3p‑Per‑Mile EV Road Charge in Budget, With 2028 Start Under Consultation

The reported levy is framed as a replacement for lost fuel duty, with key design choices still undecided.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets report Chancellor Rachel Reeves will outline a pay‑per‑mile plan for electric cars on 26 November, with a headline rate of 3p per mile.
  • The proposal is expected to go to public consultation and target a 2028 rollout, and it would sit alongside Vehicle Excise Duty that EVs now pay.
  • DfT figures show battery EVs averaged about 8,900 miles in 2024, leading to coverage estimates of roughly £267 per car and about £375 million a year from around 1.4 million vehicles.
  • Motoring groups and manufacturers warn the charge could be regressive and dent EV uptake, especially for drivers reliant on public charging that costs roughly 11.3p–17.63p per mile.
  • Reported implementation options include self‑declared mileage or MOT odometer checks, potential lower rates for hybrids, and unresolved cross‑border issues that could lead to double charging.