The change doesn’t affect any vehicle registered before 1 April 2017, but drivers can check the vehicle tax rates to make sure they know what they need to pay. Vehicle tax for the first year is based on CO2 emissions. After the first year, the amount of tax that needs to be paid depends on the type of vehicle. The rates are: £140 a year for petrol or diesel vehicles; £130 a year for alternative fuel vehicles (hybrids, bioethanol and LPG); £0 a year for vehicles with zero CO2 emissions. IEA/IRENA Global Renewable Energy Policies and Measures Database © OECD/IEA and IRENA, [November 2020]

Update: Electric, zero and low emission cars, vans and motorcycles are now subject to the vehicle tax rates that were introduced on 1 April 2025. This applies to both new and existing vehicles. the first payment is set at GBP 10, the second payment is the standard rate, i.e. GBP 195.