British motoring icon Jaguar has marked its 90th anniversary with a major announcement: the launch of its first fully electric vehicle is set for next year. The revelation came during a special event in London celebrating nine decades of the brand's history.
Jaguar's Electric Leap on a Historic Anniversary
The brand showcased its entire historic lineage in the capital, from the very first SS Jaguar model to its latest and most advanced machine, the Type 00. This new model represents Jaguar's most significant foray into the electric vehicle market to date, following its initial unveiling last year.
The celebratory news for the automotive industry arrives alongside a significant policy shift for electric vehicle owners across the UK. Chancellor Rachel Reeves used the recent Autumn Budget to outline a new pay-per-mile levy specifically for electric and plug-in hybrid cars.
New Road Charges for Electric Vehicles
This new charge is scheduled to take effect from April 2028. Under the new rules, drivers of battery electric cars will pay approximately 3p per mile, while plug-in hybrid drivers will face a rate of 1.5p per mile. These rates will increase annually in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
The financial impact could be substantial for longer journeys. For example, a single trip from London to Edinburgh could incur an additional charge of up to £12 for an EV driver, on top of existing road fees.
The Treasury's move is designed to address a growing shortfall in revenue previously generated by fuel duty, which is paid by owners of traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. A leaked report from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) confirmed the detailed rates and their index-linked future increases.
The Future Landscape for UK Drivers
By the time these changes are implemented in 2028, it is forecast that around six million people in the UK will be electric vehicle owners. The pay-per-mile levy is one of several amendments expected to follow the Chancellor's Budget statement.
This creates a pivotal moment for British motoring: as a legendary manufacturer like Jaguar finally embraces a fully electric future, the government is introducing a new fiscal framework for the ownership of these cleaner vehicles.
