Renault UK boss urges VAT reduction on public EV chargers

Adam Wood, managing director of Renault UK, has called on the British government to lower the Value Added Tax (VAT) applied to public electric vehicle (EV) charging to encourage consumer adoption.

Currently, public charging in England, Scotland, and Wales is subject to a 20% VAT rate. In contrast, domestic electricity supplies in Great Britain are eligible for a temporary 0% VAT rate between October 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027. In Northern Ireland, the domestic rate remains at 5%.

Wood noted that high public charging costs represent a significant barrier for drivers who lack access to home charging installations, such as those living in street-parked accommodations. He cited feedback from Renault 5 owners, who identified public charging expenses as a primary source of frustration. Data from Zapmap indicates that a driver relying solely on public chargers could pay £194 in VAT, compared to £48 for a driver with home charging capabilities.