eVED Renewal: The Odometer Reading and Mileage Estimate You Must Declare (2028)

Quick answer: from 1 April 2028, when you tax an electric or plug-in hybrid car you will give DVLA two numbers: the current odometer reading and your estimate of the miles you will drive in the coming tax period. eVED (3p a mile for BEVs, 1.5p for PHEVs) is charged on the estimate, paid annually or monthly, and squared up at the next renewal against the new reading. Estimate honestly: the reading is reconciled against your MOT mileage, and DVLA can call a vehicle in for inspection where it suspects fraud.

The two numbers

• Odometer reading: the total miles shown on the dashboard on the day you renew. Take a dated photo; it is the record that settles any later dispute.
• Mileage estimate: your genuine expectation for the year. Last year's actual mileage is the obvious baseline; DVLA will offer guidance and tools, and your MOT history gives you the real number for each past year.

Paying

Annual or monthly, alongside your normal VED. The Treasury's worked example: 5,000 estimated miles at 3p is £150 a year, or £12.50 a month. Underestimate and you pay a balancing amount at the next renewal; overestimate and you get a credit. Our calculator shows your figure.

Getting it wrong versus getting it dishonest

An honest estimate that turns out low is simply reconciled. A reading that is false is a different matter: the draft legislation creates offences around odometer readings and DVLA keeps the power to require an examination where there is reasonable suspicion of fraud. See the new offences.

Selling or scrapping mid-period

A final reading is taken when the car changes keeper or is scrapped, so the outgoing keeper settles their own mileage and the new keeper starts clean. Keep the dated odometer photo with your V5C paperwork.

FAQs

Does this apply to cars under three years old?
Yes, they pay eVED; the extra mileage checks once proposed for them were dropped, so reconciliation waits for the first MOT.

Is this instead of road tax?
No: it is charged in addition to standard VED.

eVED guides

• eVED explained: pay-per-mile from 2028 and your odometer as a tax record
• eVED calculator: what your mileage will cost
• What you must declare at each renewal
• How the MOT reconciles your mileage
• Odometer tampering: offences and DVLA inspections
• eVED for fleets and leasing

Sources

gov.ukeVED consultation response (HM Treasury, 13 July 2026)gov.ukElectric Vehicle Excise Duty: policy paper