UK Pay-Per-Mile EV Tax Calculator
Estimate your Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) from April 2028 — and find out whether your EV is still cheaper to run than petrol.
Calculate your eVED and running cost
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Enter your annual mileage above and press Calculate to see your eVED estimate and running cost comparison.
How the pay-per-mile EV tax works
The UK government confirmed in its July 2026 consultation response that from 1 April 2028, electric vehicles will pay a per-mile charge called Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED). It is administered by the DVLA alongside standard VED.
- Battery electric cars: 3p per mile
- Plug-in hybrid cars: 1.5p per mile (applies to all miles, including those driven on petrol)
- Electric vans: exempt
- Hydrogen fuel cell cars: 3p per mile
The rate is expected to rise with CPI from 2029–30. Mileage will be reported annually using odometer readings, with reconciliation against MOT records.
eVED by annual mileage
Reference table using the confirmed 2028 rates. Figures exclude VED and the Expensive Car Supplement.
| Annual mileage | BEV (3p) | PHEV (1.5p) | Monthly BEV |
|---|
PHEVs and the double-taxation issue
Plug-in hybrids pay 1.5p per mile on all miles — including those driven using the petrol engine. They also continue to pay fuel duty on petrol. This means a PHEV owner can pay both eVED and fuel duty on the same journey.
Worth checking
If you rarely charge your PHEV, the effective cost per mile can be higher than a comparable petrol car. Use the calculator above with your real-world electric share to see the true picture.
Electric vans are exempt
Electric vans do not pay eVED. The exemption covers vehicles classified as vans for VED purposes. This matters for business users and sole traders running an electric van, who will continue to pay only standard van VED.
Frequently asked questions
What is the pay-per-mile EV tax?
It is Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED), a per-mile charge for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles announced in the November 2025 Budget and confirmed in July 2026. It starts on 1 April 2028 and is administered by the DVLA.
When does the UK pay-per-mile EV tax start?
1 April 2028. From that date, BEVs pay 3p per mile and PHEVs pay 1.5p per mile. The rate is expected to rise with CPI from 2029–30.
How much is eVED per mile?
3p per mile for battery electric cars and hydrogen fuel cell cars. 1.5p per mile for plug-in hybrid cars. Electric vans are exempt.
Do plug-in hybrids pay eVED?
Yes. PHEVs pay 1.5p per mile on all miles driven — including miles driven on petrol. They also continue to pay fuel duty on petrol, which can create a double charge on the same journey.
Are electric vans exempt from eVED?
Yes. Electric vans are exempt from eVED. They continue to pay standard van VED.
Will I still pay VED on top of eVED?
Yes. eVED sits on top of standard VED. Most cars pay £195 a year in VED, and premium cars over £50,000 also pay the £425 Expensive Car Supplement in years 2 to 6.
What is the Expensive Car Supplement?
An additional £425 a year charged on cars with a list price above £50,000. It applies in years 2 to 6 of ownership, on top of standard VED and eVED. It affects many premium EVs.
How will the government know my mileage?
The government has confirmed that mileage will be reported annually using odometer readings, with reconciliation against MOT records at the end of the year. Exact enforcement mechanics are still being finalised.
Is my EV still cheaper than petrol with eVED?
For most drivers, yes. At 8,000 miles a year a BEV pays £240 in eVED, against roughly £480 of fuel duty on a comparable petrol car. Home charging is also typically much cheaper than petrol per mile. The gap narrows if you rely heavily on public rapid charging.
Can the eVED rate change before 2028?
The government has confirmed the 3p and 1.5p rates, but rates are set by legislation and could change before implementation. The rate will also rise with CPI from 2029–30. Treat calculator results as estimates.
What happens if I sell my car mid-year?
The government has not yet confirmed how mid-year transfers will be handled. Check GOV.UK for updates closer to 2028.
Does eVED apply to miles driven abroad?
Government statements indicate non-UK mileage is in scope. This is a known area of uncertainty and may be clarified in secondary legislation.
Related tools
UK Pay-Per-Mile EV Tax Calculator: Estimate Your 2028 eVED Cost
From 1 April 2028, electric cars in the UK will pay a new per-mile charge called Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED). Battery electric cars pay 3p per mile. Plug-in hybrids pay 1.5p per mile. Electric vans are exempt.
If you drive 8,000 miles a year — roughly the UK average for an EV — that is £240 a year in eVED for a battery electric car. But that is only part of the picture. You also pay standard VED, potentially the Expensive Car Supplement, and your electricity costs. The real question most drivers are asking is simpler: is my EV still cheaper than petrol?
This guide explains exactly how the pay-per-mile EV tax works, what it costs at different mileages, how it stacks with existing taxes, and how to calculate your personal figure. Use the calculator on this page for an instant estimate, then read on to understand what the number means.
Key Takeaways
- eVED starts 1 April 2028. Battery electric cars pay 3p per mile. Plug-in hybrids pay 1.5p per mile. Electric vans are exempt.
- eVED stacks on top of VED. You still pay standard road tax of £195 a year, plus the £425 Expensive Car Supplement if your car cost over £50,000 and is 2–6 years old.
- Mileage is reported via odometer readings and reconciled against MOT data at year end.
- PHEVs face double taxation. They pay eVED on all miles — including petrol miles — and fuel duty on petrol.
- Most EVs remain cheaper than petrol even with eVED, especially if you charge at home. The gap narrows for high public charging users.
- The rate rises with CPI from 2029–30. Long-term owners should plan for gradual increases.
What Is the UK Pay-Per-Mile EV Tax?
The pay-per-mile EV tax is formally known as Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED). It was announced in the November 2025 Budget and confirmed in the government's consultation response published on 13 July 2026. It is administered by the DVLA alongside standard Vehicle Excise Duty (VED).
The policy exists because electric vehicles currently pay no fuel duty. As EV adoption grows, fuel duty revenue falls. The government is replacing some of that revenue with a per-mile charge on electric vehicles.
When does it start?
eVED begins on 1 April 2028. From that date, all battery electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars, and hydrogen fuel cell cars registered in the UK will be liable. Electric vans are exempt.
How is it different from VED?
Standard VED (often called "road tax") is an annual charge based on vehicle emissions and list price. Since April 2025, electric cars have paid standard VED — currently £195 a year for most cars.
eVED is a separate, additional charge based on mileage. You pay both. The table below shows the difference:
| Charge | Basis | Typical annual cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard VED | Vehicle type and emissions | £195 for most cars |
| Expensive Car Supplement | List price over £50,000, years 2–6 | £425 |
| eVED (from April 2028) | Mileage × rate | £240 at 8,000 miles (BEV) |
How Much Will You Pay? — eVED Rates
The confirmed rates from April 2028 are:
- Battery electric cars (BEV): 3p per mile
- Plug-in hybrid cars (PHEV): 1.5p per mile
- Hydrogen fuel cell cars (HFCEV): 3p per mile
- Electric vans: exempt
eVED by annual mileage
The table below shows annual eVED at common mileages. It excludes VED and the Expensive Car Supplement, which are additional.
| Annual mileage | BEV (3p/mile) | PHEV (1.5p/mile) | Monthly BEV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,000 miles | £120 | £60 | £10.00 |
| 6,000 miles | £180 | £90 | £15.00 |
| 8,000 miles | £240 | £120 | £20.00 |
| 10,000 miles | £300 | £150 | £25.00 |
| 12,000 miles | £360 | £180 | £30.00 |
| 15,000 miles | £450 | £225 | £37.50 |
| 20,000 miles | £600 | £300 | £50.00 |
For context, a petrol car driving 8,000 miles at 50 mpg pays roughly £480 a year in fuel duty alone. Even with eVED, the electric car still pays less in per-mile charges.
eVED + VED + Expensive Car Supplement: Your Total Tax
eVED is not the only charge. To understand your total tax bill, you need to add three things:
Standard VED (£195/year)
Most cars pay £195 a year in standard VED. This applies to electric cars too, and has done since April 2025.
Expensive Car Supplement (£425/year)
Cars with a list price over £50,000 pay an additional £425 a year. This applies in years 2 to 6 of ownership. Many premium EVs — including the Tesla Model S, BMW iX, and Mercedes EQS — are affected. You can toggle this in the calculator.
Worked example: premium EV owner
A Tesla Model S owner driving 12,000 miles a year, with the car in year 3 of ownership:
- eVED: 12,000 × 3p = £360
- Standard VED: £195
- Expensive Car Supplement: £425
- Total annual tax: £980
Without the calculator, that figure is difficult to piece together. This is one of the reasons we built the tool — to show the full picture in one place.
Is Your EV Still Cheaper Than Petrol?
This is the question most drivers actually want answered. eVED adds cost, but so does petrol. The comparison depends on your mileage, your electricity rate, how much you charge at home, and your petrol equivalent.
Full running cost comparison
To compare fairly, you need to add up:
- EV: eVED + VED + Expensive Car Supplement (if applicable) + electricity cost
- Petrol: Fuel cost + fuel duty + VED
Worked example: Tesla Model 3 vs petrol equivalent
Assumptions: 8,000 miles a year, 80% home charging at 24.5p/kWh, 20% public charging at 79p/kWh, 3.5 mi/kWh efficiency, petrol at £1.45/litre, 50 mpg, and no Expensive Car Supplement.
| Cost | EV (Tesla Model 3) | Petrol equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| eVED | £240 | — |
| Fuel / electricity | £809 | £1,054 |
| Fuel duty | — | £385 |
| VED | £195 | £195 |
| Total | £1,244 | £1,634 |
Estimated saving: £390 a year for the EV, even with eVED included.
When EVs stop being cheaper
The saving narrows or disappears if:
- You rely mostly on public rapid charging (79p/kWh vs 24.5p/kWh at home)
- Your annual mileage is very low (eVED is small, but so is the petrol saving)
- Your EV is inefficient (large SUV, cold climate, heavy right foot)
- Your petrol comparison is a very efficient hybrid
Use the calculator above with your own numbers to see your specific case.
PHEVs and the Double-Taxation Problem
Plug-in hybrids are in a difficult position under eVED. They pay 1.5p per mile on all miles driven — including miles driven on petrol. They also continue to pay fuel duty on petrol.
This means a PHEV owner can pay both eVED and fuel duty on the same journey. For drivers who rarely plug in, the effective cost per mile can be higher than a comparable petrol car.
Worked example: BMW 330e PHEV
Assumptions: 10,000 miles a year, 50% electric / 50% petrol, 3.0 mi/kWh efficiency on electric, 40 mpg on petrol, petrol at £1.45/litre, home charging at 24.5p/kWh.
- eVED: 10,000 × 1.5p = £150
- Electricity (5,000 electric miles): £408
- Petrol (5,000 petrol miles): £824
- Fuel duty on petrol: £301
- VED: £195
- Total: £1,878
The same calculation for a pure petrol car at 50 mpg would be £1,775 — meaning the PHEV is slightly more expensive in this scenario. PHEV owners who charge regularly and drive mostly on electric will still save. Those who don't, won't.
Electric Vans Are Exempt
Electric vans do not pay eVED. The exemption covers vehicles classified as vans for VED purposes. This is significant for business users and sole traders, who will continue to pay only standard van VED.
If you are unsure whether your vehicle counts as a van or a car for eVED purposes, check the V5C registration document. The classification is the same one used for standard VED.
How Will the Government Know Your Mileage?
The government has confirmed that mileage will be reported annually using odometer readings, with reconciliation against MOT records at year end. The exact enforcement mechanics are still being finalised, but the direction is clear:
- Odometer reading — declared at the start and end of each year
- MOT data cross-check — mileage recorded at MOT is used to verify declared figures
- Year-end reconciliation — if you over- or under-estimate, the difference is settled
This means accurate record-keeping matters. If you share a car, or drive abroad, or clock up unusual mileage patterns, keep your own records.
What If You Drive Abroad or Share a Car?
Several practical questions remain partially unanswered by the government:
- Non-UK mileage: Government statements indicate mileage driven abroad is in scope. This may be clarified in secondary legislation before 2028.
- Shared vehicles: The government has not yet confirmed how shared cars will be handled. If two people use the same EV, the liability sits with the registered keeper, but the usage split may not be considered.
- Cross-border (Northern Ireland / Republic of Ireland): Drivers who regularly cross the border may face complexity. This is a known area of uncertainty.
If any of these apply to you, plan to check GOV.UK closer to April 2028 for updated guidance.
When Will the Rate Change?
The eVED rate is expected to rise with CPI (Consumer Prices Index) from 2029–30, and in future years. The government has confirmed this mechanism.
Projected rates, assuming CPI averages 2.5%:
| Year | BEV rate | Annual eVED at 8,000 miles |
|---|---|---|
| 2028 | 3.00p | £240 |
| 2030 | 3.15p | £252 |
| 2035 | 3.57p | £286 |
These are projections only. Actual rates will depend on CPI and government decisions at the time. Use them for planning, not as guaranteed figures.
Calculate Your eVED
Use our UK pay-per-mile EV tax calculator to get your personalised estimate. It handles:
- BEV, PHEV, and electric van rates
- Expensive Car Supplement eligibility based on list price and vehicle age
- Blended home and public charging costs
- Full EV vs petrol running cost comparison
- EV model database with automatic efficiency lookup
The calculator takes about 30 seconds to use. It gives you an annual and monthly eVED figure, total tax liability, total running cost, and a side-by-side savings comparison against petrol.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the pay-per-mile EV tax?
It is Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED), a per-mile charge for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles announced in the November 2025 Budget and confirmed in July 2026. It starts on 1 April 2028 and is administered by the DVLA alongside standard VED.
When does the UK pay-per-mile EV tax start?
1 April 2028. From that date, battery electric cars pay 3p per mile and plug-in hybrids pay 1.5p per mile. Electric vans are exempt.
How much is eVED per mile?
3p per mile for battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell cars. 1.5p per mile for plug-in hybrid cars. Electric vans pay nothing.
Do plug-in hybrids pay eVED?
Yes. PHEVs pay 1.5p per mile on all miles driven — including miles driven on petrol. They also continue to pay fuel duty on petrol, creating a double charge on the same journey. This makes the PHEV calculation more complex than for a BEV.
Are electric vans exempt from eVED?
Yes. Electric vans are exempt. They continue to pay standard van VED.
Will I still pay VED on top of eVED?
Yes. eVED sits on top of standard VED. Most cars pay £195 a year in VED. Premium cars over £50,000 also pay the £425 Expensive Car Supplement in years 2 to 6.
What is the Expensive Car Supplement?
An additional £425 a year charged on cars with a list price above £50,000. It applies in years 2 to 6 of ownership, on top of standard VED and eVED. It affects many premium EVs, including the Tesla Model S, BMW iX, and Mercedes EQS.
How will the government know my mileage?
Mileage will be reported annually using odometer readings, with reconciliation against MOT records at year end. Exact enforcement mechanics are still being finalised.
Is my EV still cheaper than petrol with eVED?
For most drivers, yes. At 8,000 miles a year, a BEV pays £240 in eVED — against roughly £480 of fuel duty on a comparable petrol car. Home charging is also typically much cheaper than petrol per mile. The gap narrows if you rely heavily on public rapid charging or drive very low mileage.
Can the eVED rate change before 2028?
The government has confirmed the 3p and 1.5p rates, but rates are set by legislation and could change before implementation. The rate will also rise with CPI from 2029–30. Treat calculator results as estimates.
What happens if I sell my car mid-year?
The government has not yet confirmed how mid-year transfers will be handled. Check GOV.UK for updates closer to 2028.
Does eVED apply to miles driven abroad?
Government statements indicate non-UK mileage is in scope. This is a known area of uncertainty and may be clarified in secondary legislation.
How much is pay-per-mile tax for 10,000 miles?
At 3p per mile, 10,000 miles costs £300 a year for a battery electric car. For a plug-in hybrid at 1.5p per mile, it costs £150.
How much is pay-per-mile tax for 8,000 miles?
At 3p per mile, 8,000 miles costs £240 a year for a battery electric car. This is the UK average EV mileage based on MoneySuperMarket insurance quote data.
What is the pay-per-mile tax for a Tesla?
It depends on your annual mileage, not the model. A Tesla Model 3 driving 8,000 miles a year pays £240 in eVED. A Tesla Model S driving 12,000 miles pays £360. Use the calculator above for your specific mileage.
Does eVED affect company car drivers?
eVED is separate from company car tax (BiK). Company car drivers pay BiK based on the vehicle's P11D value and emissions. eVED is an additional charge on the registered keeper. The interaction between the two is not yet fully clear — check with your employer or tax adviser.
What if my odometer reading is wrong?
Accuracy matters because eVED is based on declared mileage. The government plans to reconcile declared mileage against MOT records. If there is a discrepancy, you may need to provide additional evidence. Keep your own records.
What if I drive fewer miles than I estimated?
The year-end reconciliation process should adjust your liability based on actual mileage. Overpayments are likely to be refunded, and underpayments collected. Exact mechanics are still being finalised.
Methodology and Sources
This article and the accompanying calculator are based on the following verified sources:
- eVED rates (3p BEV, 1.5p PHEV, £0 van): GOV.UK eVED publication, confirmed 13 July 2026.
- Start date (1 April 2028): GOV.UK consultation response, July 2026.
- CPI uprating from 2029–30: GOV.UK eVED publication.
- Standard VED rate (£195/year): GOV.UK VED rates, 2025/26 tax year. This may change — verify current rates before relying on it.
- Expensive Car Supplement (£425/year, threshold £50,000, years 2–6): GOV.UK, confirmed from April 2026.
- Fuel duty (52.95p/litre): GOV.UK, 2025. This may change — verify current rate.
- Average EV mileage (8,116 miles/year): MoneySuperMarket insurance quote data.
- Electricity rate (24.5p/kWh): Ofgem price cap reference, October 2025. Verify current cap.
- Public charging rate (79p/kWh): Industry average. Verify current rate.
- Petrol price (£1.45/litre): UK average, RAC/AA data. Verify current price.
Assumptions used in the calculator: Default EV efficiency of 3.5 mi/kWh where no model is selected. Blended home/public charging rate based on user input. Petrol comparison at 50 mpg. CPI assumption of 2.5% for future rate projections.
Limitations: This calculator provides an estimate only. Final rules may change before April 2028. Actual eVED liability depends on final legislation, your declared mileage, and your specific vehicle. This is not financial or tax advice.
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GOV.UK — Electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED) official policy
The UK government's confirmed eVED policy, published 13 July 2026. This is the primary source for the 3p per mile (BEV) and 1.5p per mile (PHEV) rates, the April 2028 start date, and the CPI uprating mechanism from 2029–30.
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GOV.UK — eVED consultation document
The full consultation published in January 2026. It explains the rationale for eVED, the mileage reporting and MOT reconciliation process, why PHEVs pay half the BEV rate, and includes the 8,000-mile example (EV £240 vs petrol £480 in fuel duty).
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GOV.UK — Vehicle tax for electric and low-emission vehicles
Official guidance on standard VED rates for electric vehicles (currently £195 per year) and the Expensive Car Supplement (£425 per year for cars over £50,000 in years 2–6). Use this for the VED and ECS stacking calculations in the article.
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Ofgem — Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges
The official UK energy regulator's price cap data, including electricity unit rates (p/kWh) by region. Use this to support the home charging cost assumptions used in the running cost comparison.
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RAC — UK average petrol and diesel prices
The RAC's official fuel price statement, used for the petrol equivalent running cost comparison. RAC data is widely cited as the authoritative source for UK pump prices.
Last updated: July 2026. Next review: January 2027 or when GOV.UK publishes updated guidance.