The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) has warned those who own certain types of cars that they will be liable to pay car tax
Motorists have been called to check their updated vehicle tax rates following the recent changes that took effect last month. The DVLA has issued an alert, particularly targeting those who own certain vehicles, about the new liabilities for car tax.
On the social media platform X, previously known as Twitter, the agency posited on Wednesday: “Vehicle tax has changed for electric and low emission vehicles. The DVLA elucidated that from April 1, 2025, all electric, zero and low emission cars, vans and motorcycles are bound by the newly established vehicle tax rates.”
This development affects both newly purchased and current vehicles, with payment amounts varying based on the vehicle type and its registration date. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
“To easily ascertain their due car tax, drivers can utilise the efficient online service provided by Webuyanycar’s number plate checker.
With a simple input of a vehicle’s registration number, the tool computes CO2 emissions and corresponding tax bands. Particularly for owners of Electric Vehicles (EVs) and low-emission cars who have enjoyed exemption from this fee, the DVLA underlines the significance of acknowledging these fiscal adjustments, reports the Daily Record.
As per the VED hike commencing on April 1, petrol, diesel and electric-powered car owners almost universally are experiencing increased fees, making it imperative for EV owners to stay informed on how the changes affect them.
Electric, zero or low emission cars registered on or after 1 April 2025
From 1 April 2025, you will be required to pay the lowest first year rate of vehicle tax set at £10. From the second tax payment onwards, you will pay the standard rate of £195.
Electric, zero or low emission cars registered between April 1 2017 and March 31 2025
You will be liable for the standard rate of £195.
Electric, zero or low emission cars registered between March 11 2001 and March 31
The tax rate for these vehicles is £20.
Hybrid and alternatively fuelled vehicles (AFVs)
The annual discount of £10 for hybrid and AFVs has been abolished. The rate you will pay depends on when the vehicle was first registered.
If the vehicle was:
- registered before April 1 2017 – this rate will depend on the vehicle’s CO2 emissions.
- registered on or after April 1 2017 – you will pay the standard rate (£195).
The new rates also apply to electric vans which have moved to the standard annual rate for light good vehicles. And electric motorcycles have moved to the annual rate for the smallest engine size.
There is also an expensive car supplement. This means new electric and zero emission vehicles registered on or after 1 April 2025 with the list price exceeding £40,000 attract the standard rate, plus the expensive car supplement for the first 5 years from the start of the second licence.
By utilising WeBuyAnyCar’s free online number checker, you can easily check how much you are due.
Using your number plate, it identifies the engine size (cc) of your car, the power (kw) and the CO2 (g/km) of the model you own.
You can check using the tool, here.
