Rural EV drivers could face bills three times higher under new road tax plans

June 4, 2026

Drivers in rural areas could pay more than three times as much as city motorists under the Government's proposed electric vehicle road pricing scheme, according to new analysis from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) and New Automotive.

The proposed eVED system would charge EV drivers 3p per mile from April 2028. Under the plans, rural motorists could face annual bills of up to £260, compared with as little as £79 for drivers in central London.

The analysis highlights a growing challenge for fleets operating outside major urban centres. Rural drivers typically cover higher annual mileages, have fewer alternatives to private transport and often face more limited public charging infrastructure.

The findings also raise questions for grey fleet operators and businesses with field-based staff, where employees may be disproportionately affected depending on where they live and work.

BVRLA argues that any future road pricing model should reflect regional differences in mileage requirements rather than applying a flat national rate.

The proposals underline the importance of understanding how employees actually travel for work. Businesses with large grey fleet populations or dispersed field-based teams may find future road pricing affects drivers very differently depending on where they live and operate.

Reviewing mileage reimbursement policies, vehicle eligibility criteria and grey fleet usage could help employers identify potential cost pressures before any new charging regime is introduced.

With the Government yet to publish its response to the eVED consultation, fleets may want to review how future road pricing could affect drivers, operating costs and vehicle policies across different regions.