Some drivers will have to pay an extra £156.51 a year when the new 3p per mile charge comes into force, new analysis has shown. Drivers in rural areas and some regions are set to feel a greater impact from the proposed 3p pay-per-mile charge for electric cars when it begins in April 2028, according to new analysis of government data by The Electric Car Scheme.
The analysis highlights how a one-size-fits-all approach to road pricing could affect drivers differently depending on where they live, reinforcing the importance of designing future transport policy that supports a fair and inclusive transition to electric vehicles. Under the 3p per mile charge, drivers in smaller rural areas close to major towns and cities would pay an average of £156.51 per year, compared with £76.02 for drivers in more urban areas. Those in smaller rural locations further from cities would face annual costs of £143.01. These differences reflect the reality that rural communities often rely more heavily on cars due to limited public transport options and longer travel distances.
Regional variation is also clear. Drivers in the South West would pay the highest average annual cost at £110.25, followed by the East Midlands at £105.09 and the East of England at £104.55. By contrast, London drivers would pay an average of £33.09 per year, reflecting shorter journeys and greater access to public transport. While the North East (£82.20) and North West (£83.79) would see lower costs than many other regions, drivers there would still pay more than double the average annual cost faced by London drivers. Thom Groot, CEO of The Electric Car Scheme, said: "With almost two million electric vehicles on the road now, and more than triple this number expected by 2028, this scheme still has many barriers to overcome, including privacy concerns, regional fairness and public opposition. However, what we have found is that to get more people into EVs, we need financial incentives, such as the very successful salary sacrifice scheme, and not penalties.
"The data clearly shows that rural communities and regions outside London will bear the brunt of these costs due to longer necessary journeys and limited transport alternatives. The South West, East Midlands and East of England will be particularly hard hit.”
"This is a practical moment for anyone considering a new car to weigh up the facts. Electric vehicles consistently offer lower running costs and a significantly reduced environmental impact compared to petrol and diesel. Even when this tax comes in, the major savings and environmental benefits of going electric remain firmly in place. Electric vehicles will continue to be the most practical and future-proof choice for UK drivers."
