Poll tax on wheels?

Warning over new EV driving charge

- BY NEIL LANCEFIELD

Plugging in could end up costing EV owners more

A CHARGE per mile for electric vehicles in the Budget could be viewed as a “poll tax on wheels”, a motoring group has warned.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to unveil a policy to introduce a 3p per mile fee for EVs on November 26, it has been reported.

The scheme is due to be implemented in 2028 after a consultation and would cost average EV drivers £250 per year.

The government said it is “right to seek a tax system that fairly funds roads, infrastructure and public services”.

It comes as the Treasury is being hit by a reduction in revenue from fuel duty as more drivers switch from petrol or diesel cars to EVs.

But AA president Edmund King warned: “While we acknowledge the Treasury is losing fuel duty revenue as drivers go electric, the government has to tread carefully unless their actions slow down the transition to EVs.