New calls for major 2025 car tax VED rule change to be ‘stopped’

Campaigners have called for a 2025 car tax rule to be axed (Image: Getty)

Campaigners have demanded new Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) car tax rules be scrapped just months before they are implemented in a new Parliament petition.

Electric car owners will pay VED for the first time in April as years of exemptions come to an end. 

First-year EV rates will sit at just £10 before switching to the standard rate which is expected to be £195 per annum. 

Plans to charge EVs were drawn up by the previous Conservative Government but Labour has retained the policy since taking over office. 

The move is set to be controversial with concerns that a rise in car tax fees risked stalling demand for the new models. 

Electric cars will pay VED for the first time from April (Image: Getty)

A reduction in car tax charges was one of the biggest incentives of moving to EVs with hundreds slashed off annual motoring expenses. 

A new petition has now called on the Government to take “bold leadership” and focus on “reducing emissions” by keeping rates at zero. 

They said: “We believe that charging road tax on ZEVs [zero emission vehicles] risks undermining the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and reaching our net-zero targets.

“We think that by keeping road tax at zero for ZEVs, the government could demonstrate bold leadership on climate action, encouraging greater adoption of clean vehicles and affirming the UK’s dedication to a sustainable, green future. 

“We believe that now is the time to prioritize policies that reduce emissions, support green innovation, and solidify the Government's commitment to addressing the climate crisis.”

The petition was started by Charlie Grosvenor in November and will run until at least May 14, 2025. 

So far just over 200 individuals have signed the petition with at least 10,000 needed for an official Government response. 

Meanwhile, 100,000 backers are needed for the idea to be properly debated in Parliament. 

Confirming the new rule changes last month, the DVLA explained fees would apply to “both new and existing” electric vehicle owners.

The DVLA commented: “From 1 April 2025, registered keepers of electric, zero or low emission cars, vans and motorcycles will need to pay vehicle tax in the same way as registered keepers of petrol and diesel vehicles. This change will apply to both new and existing vehicles.

“This new measure removes band A under the existing VED system which is currently £0. Vehicles in this band will be required to move to the first band where a rate becomes payable.”