Howard wrote:I'm not sure your criticism is fair. We private BEV owners pay our way, you are not subsidising our electricity use nor our cars apart from their lower road tax.
We are way off topic here, but as you responded...
How much 'tax' is paid on electricity used for BEV charging compared to the tax on other road fuels?
(Maybe think of windpower subsidies and Oil Co. taxes too?)
Generally the cost of vehicle tax (RFL) was referenced to vehicle weight, so BEV rates might be expected to be slightly higher (than a similar ICE vehicle) as they weigh more hence probably result in more road wear. I'll ignore the issue of torque as not everyone has a heavy right foot.
There is a cost to charging points and infrastructure - I'm not sure how many are private or if the cost is (to be) recovered from the users by way of higher unit rates. But clearly some are subsidised, at least initially.
Howard wrote:Reducing air pollution especially in cities is a laudable aim surely?
Suppose one thinks of it as a tax on those who can't afford a BEV or need an ICE for other reasons and would only journey into cities on rare occasions. Then think of all the different rules applying to different cities. Then there's the issue of charging zones and traffic diversions. All a bit of a headache presented to others. The air polution is just moved elsewhere. Scrappage can't be without cost.
Howard wrote:Do you feel guilty avoiding tax if you have ISAs or a SIPP?
Can't see your point sorry, can't anyone of driving age have an ISA or SIPP?
Howard wrote:The government we elect nudge us to behave in a certain way.
The government pander to those whom they think will support their re-election and behave in ways that they think will make them look good.