The UK Considers Per-Mile Tax on Electric Vehicles
The United Kingdom is reportedly exploring a three pence-per-mile tax on electric vehicles (EVs) to compensate for lost fuel tax revenue.
Implications of Per-Mile Charges
In countries with many toll roads, any additional pay-per-mile or monthly fees tend to be unpopular, as drivers already pay to use these roads. Introducing a per-mile tax would require the government to address toll roads often managed by private companies, not the government itself.
Fairness and Challenges
Charging by mile, kilogram, or pound is considered the fairest system. However, it would significantly increase costs for truck transport since trucks can weigh 10 to 40 times more than cars and cause much more road damage.
This system could encourage some countries to explore alternative freight methods, such as rail transport, drones, lighter or autonomous trucks.
Enforcement and Compliance Concerns
Relying on yearly vehicle inspections (e.g., MOT checks) to monitor mileage could lead to cheating, as some drivers might manipulate their vehicle data to reduce reported mileage. Without frequent checks, such as monthly inspections, many could attempt to avoid paying, especially when the costs reach hundreds of pounds or euros annually.
"Doing a yearly check at the MOT asks for ppl doing ‘things’ to the ECU and suddenly they drove 50% less that year. Unless there are -regular- checks, like once per month, there will be plenty of people going to cheat the system."
Summary
While a per-mile tax on EVs is seen as fair, its implementation involves complex issues around toll roads, truck freight costs, and ensuring honest compliance to avoid widespread evasion.
Author's note: Balancing fair taxation on EVs with practical enforcement and infrastructure challenges will be essential to avoid unintended consequences for drivers and the environment.