Four ways in which Budget 2025 can boost EV affordability

Guy Bartlett, CEO at Believ, says private investment in the electric vehicle charging industry must be matched by government support to help encourage EV uptake

As the Autumn Budget approaches, electric vehicle chargepoint operator Believ is calling on the Treasury to act on four key priorities that will help decarbonise transport by making EV ownership and charging more affordable, thus encouraging wider adoption. 

The importance of these measures is of heightened importance, following Budget prediction news of a potential ‘pay-per-mile' charge for EVs from 2028, and confirmation that London EV drivers will no longer be exempt from the congestion charge. Many drivers will see these as costs that tip the balance against EV affordability.

Believ’s four Budget wishes therefore take a holistic approach to how the UK can reduce EV ownership costs: 

1. A reduction in VAT on public charging, aligning it with home-energy rates. If this reduction is made, Believ will pass all savings onto the driver, providing long-term affordability. 
2. A decision not to introduce business rates for chargepoint operators (CPOs) as previously planned, which will help the CPO business model operate to offer lower charging rates. 
3. An extension and expansion of the EV grant scheme, potentially offering higher discounts and covering more vehicle models, helping to incentivise EV purchases. 
4. A review of how standing charges are calculated to stop CPOs being charged against future capacity, and having to pass on these charges.  

These initiatives would represent a significant step forward in making EV ownership more accessible and cost-effective, helping to alleviate concerns drivers will have around EV tax increases.  

Believ is working with local authorities, businesses and landlords to create the UK’s most reliable EV charging network at no cost to the taxpayer, supported by the £300m investment it secured earlier this year to deliver at least 30,000 new public chargepoints.  

EVs are the future of sustainable transport and as such must be accessible, with cost an integral part of accessibility. As outlined in our four wishes, we need the Treasury to take a holistic, end-to-end approach to furthering EV uptake, recognising vital, private investment and supporting the UK’s decarbonisation of transport.

Combined with Believ’s mission to deliver cleaner air for all, and our £300m commitment to expanding the UK’s charging network, these measures send a powerful message that the UK is serious about making EVs a viable choice for everyone.”

Believ supports Charge UK’s call for the government to implement these measures as part of a joined-up strategy to make EV charging more affordable, equitable and sustainable; driving forward the UK’s transition to cleaner transport.

Guy Bartlett is chief executive at Believ