A number of new HMRC regulations that impact owners of petrol and diesel vehicles go into effect this December, influencing everything from vehicle production to vehicle charging.
From new fines to fuel rates, here are the changes you need to be made aware of.
New £10k fines for non-compliant EV Chargers
New rules that require EV charging stations to adhere to current standards will benefit drivers of electric vehicles.
Charge points that don't meet the standard face a £10,000 fine.
Operators must now ensure a 99 per cent dependability rate for their devices and provide contactless payment alternatives for chargers with a capacity of 8kW and above.
Adam Hall, director of energy services at Drax Electric Vehicles, said: “These findings highlight both progress and opportunity. Councils are working hard to modernise their EV infrastructure, but barriers continue to exist.
“Bridging these gaps is essential to not only build confidence in the UK's EV growing market but also help make the transition smoother for businesses and fleets who rely on a reliable public charging network.”
Fuel rates
Changes to the pence per mile (ppm) rates for both diesel and petrol company cars used for business travel are part of the new Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs) that HMRC implemented on December 1.
While the new AFR for a diesel vehicle with an engine ranging from 1,601-2,000cc drops from 14-13ppm, the rate of diesel corporate cars with an engine size greater than 2,000cc is reduced from 18-17ppm.
The revised reimbursement rate for diesel vehicles up to 1,600cc is now 11 ppm instead of 12 ppm. Additionally, all three company car petrol costs have been lowered.
Vans, however, shouldn't be subject to these fees. For this purpose, hybrid vehicles can be classified as either petrol or diesel vehicles. Employers can only claim input VAT if the employee presents a receipt.
Fresh rules for HGV
The Government also revealed that tougher tachograph laws are imminent.
From February 21, Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) must be equipped with new tachograph technology under new regulations.
Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) said: “On or after February 21, 2024, a 'full' smart tachograph 2 or 'transitional' smart tachograph 2 must be fitted into all newly registered in-scope vehicles regardless of journey types.”
The agency added: “On or after December 31, 2024, a 'full' smart tachograph 2 or 'transitional' smart tachograph 2 must be retrofitted into in-scope vehicles with an analogue or digital tachograph undertaking international journeys.”
Vehicles already equipped with digital or analogue tachographs must be retrofitted by December 31 in order to travel internationally.
Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate
According to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, automakers must guarantee that at least 22 per cent of their vehicle sales and 10 per cent of their van sales are entirely electric from January 1, 2025.
The program aims to increase electric vehicle sales in order to lower emissions, and its goals will increase by each year. By 2030, 80 per cent of new cars and 70 per cent of new vans sold in the UK must be electric, rising to 100 per cent by 2035.
The consequences of not meeting these standards will be severe; fines of £15,000 per vehicle and £9,000 per van will be imposed.
