Rachel Reeves is facing calls to abolish what critics describe as an “obscene” car tax rule ahead of the Labour Party government’s Autumn Budget on November 26. Experts highlight a growing disparity between EV owners who have access to home charging and those who do not, emphasizing the financial disadvantage faced by drivers without private driveways.
A survey of 1,279 electric vehicle owners revealed that 87% of those with driveways reported their EVs were much cheaper to run compared to traditional petrol or diesel cars. In contrast, only half of drivers without home overnight charging agreed, underscoring a widening gap that threatens to leave millions of UK households behind in the transition to electric vehicles.
One survey participant labeled the current situation “obscene,” pointing out that for EV owners without home charging, the economics “make no financial sense.” Another motorist added: “Electric vehicles are great to drive aside from public charging costs, but the infrastructure requires significant improvement and public charging prices need to be drastically reduced.”
Vicky Edmonds, Chief Executive of EVA England, emphasized the importance of government incentives like salary sacrifice schemes to encourage EV uptake. She also called attention to the second-hand EV market, suggesting it deserves more focus to improve affordability.
Edmonds explained, “Those who can charge at home are saving money and leading the transition, while those without home charging face higher costs and limited choices. The ‘charging divide’ has become one of the biggest obstacles to a fair and inclusive move to electric vehicles.”
She added, “For this transition to be equitable, affordable, and accessible, it must work for all drivers, regardless of their living situation. It’s crucial that the voices of everyday drivers are central to shaping our electric future.”