Top 10 Best Cars with Zero Road Tax for 2026
If you are looking for a vehicle with zero VED (Vehicle Excise Duty, or ‘road tax’), there are two key government-driven changes which are important.
In the Autumn Budget 2017, the government announced that cars registered from 1st April 2020 will be taxed based on WLTP figures. The new Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure - or WLTP - became effective in 2017 and has replaced the less accurate New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). More realistic emissions recording means that many new cars now declare slightly higher CO2 figures and therefore many will fall into higher VED bands than earlier models.
The second key part of the car taxation shake-up also means that only those with zero emissions will be eligible for zero VED. And that means wholly electric vehicles (EVs).
It’s not just private buyers who will benefit from driving zero emission vehicles; updates to benefit-in-kind rates are coming into effect in 6th April 2020 making EVs more affordable for company car owners.
And if you have an EV, you’ll also avoid inner city charges, of course.
There is good news when it comes to choice, too. Not only are there plenty of new EVs coming on the market, their increasingly usable ranges mean they’ll make sense from a practical perspective.
So let’s step through our top 10 zero emission, zero VED cars for 2020.
Kia e-Niro
We’re struggling to fault the new Kia e-Niro. It is comfortable, roomy, promises up to 282 miles on a full charge and it’s also rather rapid.
Hyundai Konda Electric
Like the Kia e-Niro - in fact using the same powertrain - the Hyundai Kona electric is sleeker in design than the e-Niro, although the trade-off is slightly less interior space.
Smart EQ ForTwo
It’s the smallest model here, and has a range of just less than 100 miles but the diminutive Smart EQ ForTwo remains a great option for those who live or work in the city.
Renault ZOE
It is hard to believe the ZOE has been with us since 2012. The new model brings faster charging, a longer range (242 miles) and improved performance.
Škoda CITIGOe iV
The diminutive CITIGO isn’t new but it has been refreshed and electrified. It is powered by a 61kW motor and should be good for a 170 mile range. Also consider the other Volkswagen group variants, the Seat Mii electric and VW e-Up!
MG ZS EV
The MG ZS, is now available fully electrified. This practical SUV offers up to 163 miles on a single charge.
Kia Soul EV
The Kia Soul has undergone a full ground-up re-design and is just about to be launched in the UK. It comes with the company’s latest battery technology, maximising range and performance.
MINI Electric
The eagerly-awaited MINI Electric is available to order now with deliveries soon. Built in Oxford and available in three trim levels, it will be good for a 145 mile range and promises a healthy turn of speed with 0-62mph in 7.3 seconds.
Vauxhall Corsa-e
The fifth generation Corsa has really stepped-up in terms of looks. But more importantly, it’s now available as an electric model. A 209 mile range also makes the Corsa-e very usable. Also see the Peugeot e-208 and DS 3 Crossback E-Tense which are built on the same platform.
Peugeot E-208
Peugeot’s all-new 208 has gone electric too, with the E-208. This stylish model pips its Corsa sibling with a 217 mile range.
