Overview
- The Department for Transport is considering a per‑mile supplement for electric cars, with reports suggesting next steps could be outlined in the 26 November Budget, though no decision has been confirmed.
- A floated rate of 3p per mile would equate to about £267 a year for an average EV covering 8,900 miles, based on DfT 2024 statistics, and could raise roughly £375 million across the current 1.4 million EVs.
- Options under discussion for measuring distance include driver self‑declarations or odometer checks at MOT, prompting questions about feasibility, compliance, and privacy.
- Motoring voices warn the charge could fall hardest on drivers without reliable home charging because public charging often costs more per mile and carries 20% VAT.
- Local data highlight patchy infrastructure in Devon, with around 75 chargers in Exeter, roughly 54 in Torbay, over 100 in North Devon, and about 30 widely spaced units on Dartmoor.