Rachel Reeves has come under fire as electric vehicle (EV) drivers threaten to abandon their cars and return to petrol and diesel models following the introduction of new pay-per-mile taxes. Two out of five drivers say they would consider switching back to traditional vehicles.
New Tax Announcement Sparks Anger
The threats come after the announcement of a new tax, known as eVED or VED+, which will be applied to electric motorists. Drivers will face a 3p-per-mile car tax starting in 2028, on top of existing vehicle excise duty. This pay-per-mile rate has caused widespread frustration among EV owners.
Survey Reveals Driver Concerns
Zenith's latest EVXperience Report, which surveyed over 3,000 electric vehicle drivers across the UK, found that road users are furious. Three in four respondents said they are worried about how the new levy could affect their finances. Drive-Electric calculated that average mileage of 10,000 miles per year would cost drivers an additional £300 annually.
88% of drivers stated that the Labour government is not doing enough to support the switch to electric cars. Two in three said ministers are failing to provide proper backing for the transition, while a quarter warned that "more needed to be done." Only six percent believed the current level of support is sufficient.
Industry Reaction
Andy Wolff, managing director of Zenith's corporate division, said motorists are receiving "conflicting messages" from ministers. "These findings highlight a clear disconnect between the Government's stated ambitions and the confidence felt by EV drivers on the road, with inconsistent policy undermining trust in the transition," he said. "Drivers are being offered tax incentives and grants to encourage EV adoption while simultaneously facing uncertainty around future taxation, including proposals such as pay-per-mile charges."
He added: "These conflicting messages mean only 15% of EV drivers feel optimistic and confident about the transition to electric vehicles." Without supporting both new and second-hand EV purchasers, there is a real danger that the progress made to date will stall or be reversed altogether.
