A potential three pence per mile levy on electric car drivers has brought much criticism, and EV Editor Steve Fowler thinks it shows how little the government knows, or cares, about the car business and car owners
Back in July, our government introduced an electric car grant, saying it was “making it easier and cheaper to own an electric vehicle.”
Just over three months later, it could be about to make EVs a whole lot more expensive.
Honda E EV (Image: TL/Tanjent)
If reports are to be believed, the upcoming budget is set to announce a consultation on adding a three pence per mile levy on EV drivers to make up for a shortfall in revenue from fewer people filling up with fuel. Treasury predictions show a potential gap in revenue of as much as £12bn a year due to less petrol and diesel being sold.
It looks like a government giving with one hand and taking away with another. I – and plenty of consumers – are scratching our heads wondering what on earth is going on.
The car industry is equally confused, with a spokesperson for industry body SMMT saying “this would be entirely the wrong measure at the wrong time”.
Read more: Independent
