AA calls for tax break for EV drivers without off-street parking

The AA is demanding that more should be done to help potential EV drivers without access to off-street parking who cannot benefit from home charging at preferential rates.

The AA claims 40% of households do not have access to off-street parking, or live in rented accommodation, and are thus unable to install a home charger. The AA believes the Treasury should cut VAT on electricity to 5% for local charger posts to match the rates that homeowners with their own charging posts can access.

AA president Edmund King (pictured) said: “In order to convince more drivers to make the switch to electric cars, a more accessible charging network is crucial. We need more well-signed charge points installed in well-lit areas that are totally accessible for all including disabled or elderly drivers.”

He continued: “We are also concerned that a two-tier system could emerge where the 40% of households without dedicated off-street parking pay considerably more to charge than those with a driveway, garage or parking space. More on-street residential charging options are essential as drivers won’t always want to travel to a rapid charging station.”

King concluded: “Cutting VAT on public charging to 5% in residential and urban areas so it mirrors tax rates on domestic energy would be a good start and make EV ownership more affordable for those without off-street parking.”

The AA’s call follows demands released yesterday by the SMMT that an independent ‘Ofcharge’ regulator be appointed to oversee the growth of charge networks across the UK.