The example: a new Kia EV3
The calculator is set to a Kia EV3 Air 81.4kWh with a list price of £35,990, first registered in June 2026.
- Year 1: zero-emission cars sit in the lowest first-year band — £10. The dealer normally includes it in the on-the-road price.
- Years 2 to 6: the standard rate of £200 a year (£210 if you pay by monthly Direct Debit).
- Expensive car supplement? No — for electric cars registered from 1 April 2025 the threshold is £50,000, and £35,990 is well below it.
- First six years in total: £10 + 5 × £200 = £1,010.
Which rules apply to your electric car?
| First registered | Year 1 | After that | Expensive car supplement |
|---|---|---|---|
| From 1 April 2025 | £10 | £200 | £440 a year (years 2–6) if list price over £50,000 |
| 1 April 2017 – 31 March 2025 | — | £200 | Not charged |
| 1 March 2001 – 31 March 2017 | — | £20 (band A) | Not applicable |
Rates from 1 April 2026 (DVLA V149).
Popular electric cars on the main calculator
| Model | List price | Year 1 | Years 2–6 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive | £37,990 | £10 | £200 |
| Kia EV3 Air 81.4kWh | £35,990 | £10 | £200 |
| Škoda Elroq SE L 60 | £34,230 | £10 | £200 |
| Toyota Urban Cruiser Design 49kWh | £33,430 | £10 | £200 |
| Any electric car over £50,000 | e.g. £55,000 | £10 | £640 |
Pay-per-mile from 2028
The government also plans an extra electric vehicle excise duty of 3p a mile for electric cars (1.5p for plug-in hybrids) from April 2028. It is not part of today’s car tax and is not included in the calculator.
Handy to know
- Buying used? Car tax never transfers with the car. Tax it yourself before you drive away; the seller gets a refund for full months left.
- The £50,000 test uses the list price when new, including options — not what you paid, and not a used price.
- Rates rise with RPI from 1 April 2027, as confirmed in the 28 October 2026 Budget. DVLA has not yet published the new numbers.
Model figures (CO2, engine size, list price) come from the manufacturer’s own UK price list, as on the main calculator. Prices change often — check the current list price for your exact version.
Will I get a reminder?
Yes. DVLA sends a V11 reminder before your tax runs out, and the first-year rate is usually paid by the dealer. From the second year you can pay online, by phone or at a Post Office that deals with vehicle tax. Setting up a Direct Debit is the easiest way to never miss it: the tax renews automatically each year. If you sell or scrap the car, tell DVLA and any full months left are refunded to you.
FAQ
How much is car tax on a new electric car in 2026?
£10 for the first year, then £200 a year. The Kia EV3 in this example pays £1,010 over its first six years.
Do electric cars over £50,000 pay more?
Yes. If registered from 1 April 2025 with a list price over £50,000, they pay the £440 expensive car supplement in years 2 to 6, so £640 a year.
What does an older electric car pay?
One registered between 1 April 2017 and 31 March 2025 pays the £200 standard rate with no supplement. One registered before April 2017 pays the band A rate of £20.
Sources: DVLA “Rates of vehicle tax” V149, rates from 1 April 2026 (assets.publishing.service.gov.uk); GOV.UK Vehicle tax rate tables; Deloitte Budget 2026 VED summary (RPI uprating from 1 April 2027). Model data: manufacturer UK price lists as listed above. Checked 5 November 2026.