UK to appeal against tax ruling cutting VAT on public electric car chargers to 5%

HMRC confirms it will fight London tax tribunal’s finding that it has been overcharging for years under the law EV charging shake-up looks to help UK households solve off-street parking problem The UK’s tax authorities have decided to fight against a ruling that would cut VAT across all public electric car chargers, despite a judge finding they have been overcharging for years under the law. Charge My Street, a not-for-profit charging company, last month argued successfully that VAT should have been charged at 5%, rather than 20%, in a case at a London tax tribunal that could have a significant impact on electric car drivers’ costs. HM Revenue and Customs on Tuesday confirmed it will appeal against the ruling. The appeal will in effect mean the government arguing to extend a disparity that costs some electric car drivers much more to recharge their vehicles, disincentivising the shift away from petrol and diesel. Charge point operators said the decision to appeal would hold back the transition from polluting petrol and diesel by penalising electric car owners who cannot charge at home. Electric car drivers have long complained they have to pay an unfair rate of VAT at public charge

Apr 21, 2026 → Apr 21, 2026