The long-running frustration over VAT on public EV charging is back in the spotlight, with HMRC appealing a court ruling that challenged the current 20% rate.
Here’s the issue:
Home charging is taxed at 5% Public charging sits at 20%
Same electrons…very different tax treatment.
The original ruling raised hopes of a fairer system, but this appeal signals the fight isn’t over yet.
And it matters, because for drivers without home charging, this isn’t theoretical. It’s a real cost barrier.
The EV Café takeaway
If we want EV adoption to be inclusive, pricing parity isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s essential.
“It just doesn’t make sense, it’s the same energy.” Sam Clark
“We need fairness in the system, otherwise we’re creating a two-tier transition.” Sarah Sloman