Electric Car Road Tax – How Much You Will Pay in 2026

Will electric cars pay road tax in 2026? Yes – and this page walks you through every change. UK drivers have enjoyed zero VED on EVs for years, but the new electric car tax rules mean standard charges now apply. Whether you're considering a prestige SUV, a company-car hatchback, or a plug-in hybrid, we break down the exact costs and the tax advantages of electric cars that still remain.

Use our MOT & Tax checker for live DVLA data, then compare this guide with our April 2026 reforms overview and the companion article on luxury car tax 2026.

Do electric cars pay road tax in 2026?

From 1 April 2026, the standard rate of Vehicle Excise Duty applies to all zero-emission cars once they reach their second licence year. The first year stays at £0, but the honeymoon period ends quickly. The government wants parity between EVs and petrol/diesel models, so plan for around £190 per year (subject to CPI) after year one.

Electric car tax rates and supplements

Here are the headline rates for 2026. Use them alongside our car tax check tool to confirm the exact amount for your model and registration date.

• Brand-new zero-emission cars continue to pay £0 in the first year, but move to the standard rate (~£190) from year two onwards.
• Cars with a list price above £40,000 also attract the £390 prestige supplement for years two through six.
• Ultra-low-emission hybrids keep a discounted first-year rate (£115 forecast) before joining the standard rate.
• Plug-in hybrids benefit from reduced Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) percentages (4% in 2026/27) for company car drivers.

Electric car tax per mile – what to expect

The government is trialling distance-based pricing to replace lost fuel duty revenue. No per-mile tax applies yet, but pilots launching in 2026 will help decide how road tax electric cars might evolve. Expect initial schemes to focus on fleets or motorway corridors before any nationwide rollout later in the decade.

Electric car tax benefits and relief

Despite the new charges, EV drivers still enjoy strong fiscal perks. Company car Benefit-in-Kind remains at 4% for 2026/27, congestion zones often discount zero-emission vehicles, and businesses can still claim 100% first-year allowances. VAT on public charging stays at 20%, but home electricity is 5%, which keeps running costs low.

If you operate a mixed fleet, combine these benefits with luxury tax planning so prestige EVs don't blow the budget.

Road tax for hybrid cars in 2026

Hybrid car tax depends on CO2 output. Self-charging models emitting 101–150 g/km will see a first-year bill of roughly £170 before moving to the standard rate. Plug-in hybrids under 50 g/km pay just £15 for the first year. Hybrids costing more than £40,000 still owe the £390 prestige supplement, so double-check the on-the-road price before locking in options.

Timeline: get ready for the electric car tax increase

• March 2026: Last chance to register a zero-emission car under the outgoing rules before the standard-rate charge begins.
• April 2026: All new EVs start their first tax year; prestige supplement rules apply immediately if the OTR price exceeds £40,000.
• July 2026: First DVLA reminders landing for April registrations – budget for the £190 standard rate plus any supplement.
• November 2026: Government evaluation of the per-mile road pricing pilots; expect consultation papers on how electric car tax per mile could work in future.

Next steps

1. Run a fresh MOT & Tax check to confirm renewal dates and advisory notes.
2. Compare your quote with the detailed April 2026 changes to see how rates evolve over time.
3. If your EV costs over £40,000, read the luxury car tax explainer to understand the prestige supplement.
4. Set calendar reminders for the first renewal so you're not caught out by the new rates.