Reclassify de-commissioned Taxi as private light goods??

Goudy · 31 May 2024 at 11:30AM

Goudy said:

I think I remember reading that cars between 2001 and 2017 are pretty much welded to their original tax classification no matter what you do with them. DVLA won't change it unless it's older or newer than those dates.

Car owners converting vehicles to electric missing out on green tax breaks (telegraph.co.uk)

Knew I read it somewhere.

Rover_Driver · 31 May 2024 at 12:45PM

As above, 'M1' (Passenger Vehicle) and 'N1' (Goods Vehicle up to 3500kg) are Vehicle Type Approvals, and replaced the 'Private Light Goods' classification in 2001. Vehicle Excise Duty is a different matter, and the amount payable is now variable, depending on vehicle emissions.

Sarkymite · 5 June 2024 at 7:49AM

molerat said:

Herzlos said:

I'm kind of surprised a taxi is that bad on fuel since you'd have thought fuel economy was a big deal to taxi drivers.

More so as London has been pretty hot on emissions for many years and these are as bad if not worse than the much maligned Chelsea Tractors. Don't see many climate activists slashing the tyres of black cabs ! It would seem these can still run in London until 2030 and are exempt from ULEZ regulations.

Yes, this surprised me too! I'm not proud of the extent of emissions/pollution from my vehicle and this is one of the reasons why I plan to eventually convert it to electric. But I was surprised that they can still run in London. Mine is NOT except from ULEZ regs as is not a registered/licensed cab - so on the rare occasions that I go to London the Taxi stays at home and we travel in OH's hybrid.

Sarkymite · 5 June 2024 at 7:52AM

Goudy said:

As for changing it's tax class with an EV conversion, I think you need to contact DVLA or talk to a converter.

Yes, this is the one thing I forgot to ask the converter when I had a chat with them about conversion. The conversion itself is very do-able, albeit expensive (but not as expensive as buying a new electric car...) and they are keen to do it, but I totally forgot to ask if they knew whether it would have an impact on the tax class etc.

Sarkymite · 5 June 2024 at 7:55AM

Thank you everyone for your comments and thoughts. I think basically we've established that changing the classification to PLG would not make the slightest difference, and so I'm not going to bother trying.
I don't have a problem paying road tax at the level specified given that it is a highly polluting vehicle - I feel that taxation on such vehicles is justified and it is my choice, at the end of the day, to drive one. But I'm very grateful for the advice and discussion around it. I will look forward to the day when my savings pot for electric conversion comes good - even if it doesn't change the tax class it will be an exciting project and future proofing my lovely vehicle!