The government has announced a significant change to car tax rules that will benefit disabled drivers across England, aimed at improving access to electric vehicles. The shift, confirmed in the recent Autumn Budget, has been hailed as a positive step for future EV affordability by the charity Mobility in Motion.
Key Change to the Expensive Car Supplement
From April 2026, the threshold for the Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) Expensive Car Supplement will increase to £50,000 for zero-emission vehicles. Crucially, this new threshold will apply to all zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) registered from April 2025 onwards.
This policy adjustment is designed to ensure that a wider range of adapted and suitably equipped electric vehicles remain exempt from the costly supplement. Mobility in Motion states that this gives disabled drivers greater choice and more accessible pathways into cleaner, future-proof mobility solutions.
Focus on UK Manufacturing and Driver Choice
The charity also welcomed a parallel announcement that the Motability Scheme will place a renewed focus on collaborating with UK manufacturers. This direction aligns with early feedback from Mobility in Motion's own nationwide research.
Early insights from their survey indicate that a majority of disabled drivers favour having more UK-made vehicle options, suggesting a strong market appetite for this shift. Matt Fieldhouse of Mobility in Motion commented on the developments.
"The decision to raise the VED Expensive Car Supplement threshold for zero-emission vehicles is another welcome step," said Fieldhouse. "It gives disabled drivers more room to choose the right electric vehicle for their needs, particularly those who require specialist adaptations."
Addressing the Affordability Challenge
The changes come against a challenging backdrop for the wider vehicle market. Mobility in Motion emphasises that the core issue is ensuring disabled drivers continue to have a strong range of affordable options, rather than focusing on specific vehicle categories.
Fieldhouse highlighted the financial pressures facing the community: "Our early survey results highlight the reality for most disabled drivers: budgets are already incredibly stretched. With such a high proportion choosing the lowest payment bracket, it’s clear that affordability remains the biggest barrier."
He added that "Motability’s efforts to manage costs are therefore more important than ever, and we need to support approaches that protect and, where possible, expand accessible mobility choices." The charity confirms that insights from their ongoing survey are already shaping discussions about the future of accessible vehicle ownership.
