GSF’s Autumn Budget response

GSF CEO, Steve Horne, has called the introduction of a mileage-based tax for EVs a “pivotal moment” and believes vehicles with an internal combustion engine “will remain on the road longer” as a result.

In the Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed a new tax for electric and hybrid vehicles. From April 2028, EV motorists will pay a road charge of 3p-a-mile; whereas, plug-in hybrid motorists will pay 1.5p-a-mile.

According to the Office for Budget Responsibility, the new tax is about “half the fuel duty rate paid by drivers of petrol cars”.

In a statement, Steve Horne believes the move will create “sustained demand for traditional parts and maintenance”.

He continued: “GSF is committed to supporting both existing and new technologies to the fullest extent possible with parts, consumables, equipment, training and business support. We will remain laser-focused on customer requirements and on supporting garages, working proactively with our global supply chain to stay ahead of market changes. This approach ensures garages and consumers have everything they need to keep older vehicles safe and reliable while embracing emerging technologies.”