How is car tax (VED) calculated?

Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is based on CO2 emissions for cars registered after 1 April 2017. First-year rates vary from £0 for zero-emission vehicles to over £2,000 for high-emission cars. Standard annual rates apply from year 2 onwards.

Do electric cars pay road tax?

From April 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer exempt from VED. They pay the lowest first-year rate and then the standard annual rate from year 2. EVs registered before April 2025 also become liable from this date.

Car Tax (VED) Calculator

Calculate Vehicle Excise Duty based on your car's CO2 emissions, fuel type and registration date.

CO2 Emissions (g/km)

Fuel Type

List Price (new)

First Year Rate

£220.00

Standard Rate (year 2+)

£190.00

Standard rate (year 2+): £190 (petrol/diesel/hybrid)

Electric vehicles: £10 from April 2025

Cars over £40,000: +£410/year supplement for 5 years

Disclaimer

This calculator is provided for informational purposes only and should not be considered as financial or tax advice. All calculations are performed locally in your browser — no personal data is collected or sent to our servers. Rates and thresholds are sourced from HMRC and GOV.UK and are updated for the current tax year. Always verify results with HMRC or consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is car tax (VED) calculated?: Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) is based on CO2 emissions for cars registered after 1 April 2017. First-year rates vary from £0 for zero-emission vehicles to over £2,000 for high-emission cars. Standard annual rates apply from year 2 onwards.
Do electric cars pay road tax?: From April 2025, electric vehicles (EVs) are no longer exempt from VED. They pay the lowest first-year rate and then the standard annual rate from year 2. EVs registered before April 2025 also become liable from this date.