The ECS fee is an extra charge slapped onto some of the most expensive models on the road between the second and sixth years of their lifespan.

The fee is only applied to cars with a list price of only £40,000 but the high upfront cost of electric models means many will be affected. 

Experts at DriveElectric explained: “New electric cars (registered on or after 1st April 2025) with a list price of £40,000 or more will also be subject to the expensive car supplement.

“This means an additional charge (£425 per year) will apply from the second to the sixth year of registration, bringing the total to £620 per year for that period.”

The increase in electric VED rates will come into effect from April 1, meaning drivers have less than three weeks to prepare.

Previous research from motoring experts at Alphabat revealed as many as 80% of EVs on UK toads could end up paying the ECS charge.

It means owners of brand-new electric models could end up paying over £3,000 in car tax bills during the first six years.

The £20 first-year charge added to five consecutive payments of £620 between years two and six would ensure road users splash out a whopping £3,120 just to use the road.

Despite the dramatic change, a new survey has revealed thousands of UK motorists are completely unaware of the new rules.

A poll by First Response Finance revealed that as many as 45% of Britons were oblivious to the new updates despite the massive impact the move could have on motorists’ wallets.

Motoring experts at Cinch previously said: “As more people moved over to electric driving and enjoyed the previously free road tax, less tax was being paid by UK drivers.

“It makes sense that the government would apply tax to electric vehicles because of this – though we’re not saying it’s fair.”