Given the huge enthusiasm for EVs amongst many contributors to this forum, I’m staggered that it’s taken 24 hours from when this story broke until it hit the forum 😂
Whilst it’s inevitable that charging per mile would have to come for EVs (the government has to replace the lost fuel duty somehow) I am amazed that they are looking to introduce it so soon.
Private motorists are already shunning EVs, due to high up front costs, crippling depreciation, high insurance costs, range concerns and, of course, the fact that if you can’t charge at home (which millions of motorists can’t) then they aren’t currently practical or cost effective.
The government is already starting to fall behind on the EV targets and the shortfall will get worse each year as the targets ramp up. The European car industry is in turmoil, with far fewer people buying new cars, due the fact that the consumers that want an EV are turning to cheap(er) Chinese ones and those who don’t are just keeping their ICE cars longer and longer.
So, what can this inept government do to make all of the above easier for consumers and the car industry? Yep. Say that you are going to impose a tax on EVs so that there’s yet another reason for people not to want them. I’d say it was unbelievable, but…..
Of course, everything is speculation until the budget, but the Telegraph is confidently saying that it’s a definite. We shall find out on 26th.