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Labour Proposes VAT Cut on EV Charging to Ease Road Pricing Concerns

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  Published in House and Home on Thursday, February 5th 2026 at 23:26 GMT by This is Money
      Locale: N/A, UNITED KINGDOM

London, UK - February 6th, 2026 - Rachel Reeves, Labour's Shadow Chancellor, is poised to announce a significant reduction in VAT on public electric vehicle (EV) charging, decreasing it from the current 20% to 5%. This strategic move is widely interpreted as a preemptive measure designed to counteract potential consumer resistance to the forthcoming 'pay-per-mile' road usage scheme and a broader slowdown in the adoption of electric vehicles.

The plan, initially detailed in a report by the Financial Times, seeks to address the affordability gap between EV charging and petrol prices, a critical factor influencing consumer purchasing decisions. Reeves believes making public charging more cost-competitive will encourage drivers to switch to electric vehicles, maintaining momentum in the UK's transition away from fossil fuels.

Addressing a Stalling Transition

Recent months have witnessed a noticeable deceleration in EV sales growth. While initial enthusiasm for electric cars was high, fuelled by government incentives and environmental concerns, anxieties surrounding charging costs and the impending road pricing policy are now demonstrably impacting demand. Experts warn that without intervention, the UK risks falling behind its climate targets and stalling the progress made in reducing carbon emissions from the transport sector.

The proposed VAT cut isn't simply about making EVs cheaper; it's about signalling a commitment to supporting drivers during a period of significant change. The 'pay-per-mile' tax, intended to replace lost revenue from vehicle excise duty (VED) and declining fuel duty as EV uptake increases, has raised concerns amongst motorists, particularly those in rural areas and those who frequently travel long distances. Critics argue the scheme could unfairly penalize essential car users.

The Road Pricing Dilemma

The government's rationale for road pricing is straightforward: as the number of EVs rises, revenue from traditional road taxes diminishes. This creates a funding gap for the ongoing maintenance and improvement of the UK's road infrastructure. The 'pay-per-mile' system aims to ensure that all road users contribute towards these costs, regardless of the vehicle they drive. However, the implementation details, including the per-mile rate and potential exemptions, are still under debate.

Reeves' plan is seen as a calculated attempt to soften the blow of road pricing. By reducing the cost of charging, Labour hopes to offset some of the financial burden imposed by the new tax, making the overall switch to electric mobility more palatable for consumers. The Shadow Chancellor's office has indicated that this is part of a broader strategy to ensure a 'just transition' to a green economy, one that doesn't disproportionately impact lower-income households or rural communities.

Motoring Groups Respond

The announcement has drawn mixed reactions from motoring organizations. While acknowledging the need for a sustainable funding model for roads, some groups remain skeptical about the fairness of road pricing. The Alliance of Rural Communities, for example, has repeatedly expressed concerns that a per-mile charge will disproportionately affect residents in sparsely populated areas who rely on cars for commuting and accessing essential services.

"We welcome any measures that make EVs more affordable," stated a spokesperson for the Alliance. "However, simply reducing VAT on charging doesn't address the fundamental issue of road pricing, which remains a significant barrier to EV adoption for many of our members."

Looking Ahead

Labour's proposal is likely to intensify the debate surrounding road pricing and EV incentives. The Conservative government is expected to respond with its own plans for addressing the funding gap in road infrastructure, potentially outlining further details of the 'pay-per-mile' scheme. The next few months will be crucial in shaping the future of electric mobility in the UK. The success of the transition will depend on striking a balance between environmental sustainability, economic fairness, and practical considerations for all road users. The effectiveness of Reeves' VAT cut will be closely monitored as a key indicator of whether Labour's approach can successfully revitalize EV demand in the face of growing financial pressures.