Starting this December, drivers of petrol, diesel, and electric vehicles should prepare for some key updates that could impact how much it costs to stay on the road and whether upgrades to vehicles are necessary. Here's what you need to know:
Changes to Fuel Rates for Company Cars
From December 1, HMRC is updating advisory fuel rates, which affect how much employers reimburse company car users or what employees must repay for private fuel use. These rates are reviewed quarterly in March, June, September, and December.
- Petrol Cars: Up to 1,400cc: 12p per mile (down from 13p earlier this year).1,401cc to 2,000cc: 14p per mile.Over 2,000cc: 23p per mile (down from 26p).
- Up to 1,400cc: 12p per mile (down from 13p earlier this year).
- 1,401cc to 2,000cc: 14p per mile.
- Over 2,000cc: 23p per mile (down from 26p).
- Diesel Cars: Up to 1,600cc: 11p per mile.1,601cc to 2,000cc: 13p per mile.Over 2,000cc: 17p per mile (down from 20p).
- Up to 1,600cc: 11p per mile.
- 1,601cc to 2,000cc: 13p per mile.
- Over 2,000cc: 17p per mile (down from 20p).
- LPG Cars: No changes. Rates remain 11p (up to 1,400cc), 13p (1,401cc-2,000cc), and 21p (over 2,000cc).
- Electric Cars: Remain steady at 7p per mile, with hybrids classified under petrol or diesel categories.
Big Updates for Electric Vehicle Owners
EV owners can expect better charging options starting this December:
- New reliability standards ensure charging stations work 99% of the time.
- Minimum power capacity will be 8kW, with fast chargers at 50kW or above becoming the norm.
- Contactless payments will now be standard.
- Operators could face fines of £10,000 per charger for non-compliance.
HGV Drivers: New Tachograph Rules by December 31
For HGV drivers, changes focus on tachographs (devices that track speed, driving time, and rest periods):
- Vehicles used for international travel must upgrade to “smart tachograph 2” systems.
- Drivers must comply with EU rules: Max 9 hours of driving per day.56 hours per week or 90 hours over two weeks.
- Domestic-only vehicles can stick with existing systems.
If you drive a company car or work in logistics, it's time to review your options and prepare for these changes. Staying informed now could save you money and hassle later.
