Gerry MacCrossan
There is currently a zero P11d benefit for the drivers of electric cars in 2020/21. The legislation for this change is included in Finance Act 2020 which also states that the benefit will be 1% of list price in 2021/22 and then 2% in 2022/23.
The zero taxable benefit also applies to hybrid cars emitting no more than 50 grams of CO2 per kilometre with a range using its electric motor of at least 130 miles, but only for cars first registered on or after 6 April 2020. Unfortunately, the range of most plug-in hybrids is considerably less than 130 miles. For example, the Mercedes A 250e costing £32,980 emits 26g CO2 but has a PEV range of only 45 miles.
An additional benefit for the business is that motor cars that emit no more than 50g CO2 per kilometre currently also qualify for a 100% first-year allowance which means that the full cost can potentially be set off against business profits. The Mercedes A 250e would currently qualify for a 100% first-year allowance but the P11d benefit would be 6% for the employee in 2020/21.
However, the 50g CO2 threshold reduces to zero from April 2021 which means that hybrids will cease being eligible for the 100% write off. If the business can afford to do so it’s a good time to buy a plug-in hybrid.
ADVISORY FUEL RATE FOR COMPANY CARS
Below are the suggested reimbursement rates for employees’ private mileage using their company car from 1st September 2020. Where there has been a change the previous rate is shown in brackets.
| Engine Size | Petrol | Diesel | LPG |
| 1400cc or less | 10p | 7p (6p) | |
| 1600cc or less | 8p | ||
| 1401c o 2000cc | 12p | 8p (9p) | |
| 1601 to 2000cc | 10p (9p) | ||
| Over 2000cc | 17p | 12p | 12p (11p) |
You can continue to use the previous rates for up to 1 month from the date the new rates apply. For wholly electric cars there is a 4p advisory rate. However, for hybrid cars use the equivalent petrol or diesel rate.
Where an employee is considering reimbursing their employer for private use to avoid a taxable benefit, it may be beneficial to compute the actual cost of private fuel rather than use the scale rate.