VAT cut to widen public EV charging cost gap, analysis shows
VAT cut to widen public EV charging cost gap, analysis shows
Purley Automotive News - August 2026
EV drivers who are unable to drive at home collectively face the equivalent of a £172 million annual penalty once a pending domestic electricity VAT cut occurs.
That’s according to analysis by transport research organisation New Automotive, which looks at the effects of a 0% VAT rate which will apply to domestic electricity from October 1 for at least six months.
New Automotive said that the cut, which was Andy Burnham’s first policy announcement as Prime Minister, would disproportionately benefit EV drivers who could charge at home, and therefore already had the cheapest charging option available to them, since VAT on electricity from public chargers is applied at 20%.
The analysis split drivers into four groups: those with a dedicated home charger on a cheap EV tariff; those with a dedicated charger on a standard tariff; those using informal home charging methods such as extension leads or ‘gully charging’; and those with no home charging at all. A certain percentage of public charging was still assumed for those with home chargers.
New Automotive’s analysis found that those with a charger and a cheap tariff would save £13 a year from 0% home electricity VAT, and incur £42 in VAT from public charging, while those with a charger and a standard tariff would save £27 a year and pay £62 in public charging VAT. Informal home chargers would save £21 in home charging VAT but pay £113 in public VAT, while those with no home charging at all – said to be 9% of EV drivers – would save nothing and pay £216 a year in public VAT.
New Automotive said the VAT cut plan had exposed a structural unfairness in how EV charging is taxed, and that rates on home and public charging should be equalised. It said that if domestic electricity VAT returned to 5%, then equalising public charging VAT to match would cost £120 million in lost revenue, against £40 million raised from EV charging on the domestic side, which it described as “a straightforward and fundable fix”.
However, it added that there was a risk VAT cuts may not be passed on to drivers, and therefore said the Government should focus on cutting the underlying cost of electricity at public chargers by expanding the availability of time-of-use tariffs, reforming grid connection costs for charge point operators, accelerating access to cross-pavement charging solutions and deploying smart charging and vehicle-to-grid technology.
Article courtesy of fleetnews.co.uk published 4th August 2026
Sytner owner Penske Automotive generates billions from UK dealerships in Q2
The UK division of car dealer giant Penske Automotive generated over $2bn in the second quarter of this year, amid ‘resilient’ demand on both sides of the Atlantic.
Purley Automotive News - August 2026
The UK division of car dealer giant Penske Automotive generated over $2bn in the second quarter of this year, amid ‘resilient’ demand on both sides of the Atlantic.
That is according to the latest accounts to come out of the American retail heavyweight, which show that UK operations contributed $2.22bn (£1.7bn) to the firm’s coffers in the three months to the end of June.
The firm operates more than 140 franchise dealerships across the UK, the majority of which fall under its ownership of Sytner.
According to the latest figures, the UK accounted for 26.1% of Penske’s global revenue during Q2 – broadly unchanged from the same period last year.
This grew slightly to 27.9% over the first six months of the year – which would place total UK revenues at around $4.57bn (£3.43bn).
The update came as Penske reported a 6% rise in global quarterly revenue to $8.5bn (£6.33bn), driven by higher new and used vehicle sales, although profits were broadly flat.
Commenting on the performance, chairman Roger Penske said: ‘In the second quarter of 2026, our diversified business delivered over 125,000 retail automotive units and more than 5,400 commercial truck units.
‘Retail automotive same-store revenue increased 6%. Retail automotive new and used vehicle gross profit per unit remained strong and consistent when compared to the first quarter of 2026, and service and parts gross margin increased by 80 basis points.’
Penske said the performance of its UK retail operations reflected continued demand from customers, despite a more challenging environment for vehicle margins.
The company’s retail automotive division delivered 125,000 vehicles globally during the quarter, with new and used vehicle sales both contributing to the increase in revenue. Service and parts also remained a key driver, with gross margins improving during the period.
The firm said its results demonstrated the benefits of its ‘diversified business model’, which now covers automotive retail, commercial vehicle dealerships and other transportation-related operations.
For the six months to the end of June, Penske generated total revenue of $16.3bn (£12.1bn), with the UK continuing to represent one of its most significant markets globally.
Article courtesy of cardealermagazine.co.uk published 4th August 2026
Specialist Vehicle Technician
Reference: ZR_826_JOB
Specialist Vehicle Technician
Knutsford, Cheshire
Highly Competitive Remuneration
Purely Automotive Recruitment Ltd offers an excellent opportunity for a Specialist Vehicle Technician to join our client and their team based in Mobberley, Cheshire. Our client specialises in LandRover, RangeRover, VW & Audi, plus specialist Pick-Up and Twin Cab Sports Conversions. Our client is based in a new well-equipped facility with a fantastic working environment. If you are a qualified Vehicle Technician looking for a new career working only Mondays to Fridays, with a keen passion to work on prestige cars and Pick-Up Conversions, we would love to hear from you.
Requirements
We are looking for a fully Trained Vehicle Technicians together holding a formal qualification in Automotive City & Guilds/NVQ Level 3 in Light Vehicle Maintenance.
You must be able to work efficiently and able to tackle all aspects of vehicle repairs and servicing. You must be energetic and enjoy working on different types of motor cars with a charismatic attitude and be a team player.
Our client provides a fantastic working culture in an environment to enable any professional Vehicle Technician to enjoy working on prestige vehicles and pick-up conversions.
Benefits
Our client provides the training and facilities to help your next step in your career. They will also recognise and reward your hard work, loyalty and achievements. The company offers an excellent level of basic salary which is between £35,000 – £50,000 OTE per annum plus bonus depending on your experience & a strong level of annual leave plus bank holidays.
For further information or to apply now, please follow the link on this page or call Purely Automotive for a confidential discussion.
Purely Automotive Recruitment is a dedicated automotive industry talent resourcing service provider operating across the UK and Ireland.
Candidate application
Please complete the preliminary candidate application form below quoting the vacancy reference and we will be in touch soon.
Workshop Controller
Reference: ZR_825_JOB
Workshop Controller
Knutsford, Cheshire
Highly Competitive Remuneration
Purely Automotive Recruitment Ltd are delighted to be offering a fantastic position for an enthusiastic and professional Workshop Controller to join our client based in Knutsford, Cheshire. This is a unique opportunity to work with a fantastic business at an exciting time for the automotive brands our client represents.
Requirements
This role would ideally suit someone already working as a Workshop Controller within the automotive industry; however, a Master or Senior Technician who wants to move into management or an experienced senior Service Advisor would be considered for this position.
The successful candidate must:
- Ensure service and repairs are carried out to the highest standards of quality possible to ensure customer satisfaction.
- Ensure efficient use of materials, equipment and labour resources.
- Build strong relationships with the brand and have a strong understanding of warranty processes.
- Actively coach and support the service team to develop individual competencies.
- Develop training plans for all technical personnel and play an active role with development.
- Ensure Health and Safety procedures are observed and maintained at all times.
- Ensure efficient progression of work through the workshop.
- To identify key processes and work on improving workshop flow and streamline the customer journey.
- Increase productivity by removing waste, alongside tracking KPI’s and team management.
The successful candidate must also be competent using IT systems, using Word, Excel, PowerPoint and have previous experience using dealer systems such as Kerridge, Pinnacle or equivalent and manufacturer interfaces.
Full UK driving license is also essential for this role.
Benefits
Our client provides a fantastic working environment and are committed to ‘Developing Talent’ and ‘Building Careers’. They will also recognise and reward your hard work, loyalty and achievements. A competitive salary and bonus scheme awaits the right candidate for this position together with a workplace pension scheme.
Please follow the link on this page to apply, or for further information contact Purely Automotive Recruitment Ltd.
Purely Automotive Recruitment is a dedicated Automotive Industry talent resourcing company operating across the UK and Ireland.
Candidate application
Please complete the preliminary candidate application form below quoting the vacancy reference and we will be in touch soon.
Car Sales Executive
Reference: ZR_824_JOB
Car Sales Executive
Knutsford, Cheshire
Highly Competitive Remuneration
Purely Automotive Recruitment proudly offers a fantastic opportunity for a Car Sales Executive to join our client and their team based in Knutsford, Cheshire. Our client operates a successful business representing a number of prestige vehicle brands across their dealer group.
Requirements
Reporting to the Sales Manager, the main objectives of the post are to achieve agreed sales targets within defined operating and financial guidelines; To request details from all prospects/visitors to the centre who might show an interest in purchasing a vehicle and to follow up within a maximum 24 hour period; To contribute to the development of plans, policies and procedures as required to ensure the achievement of all sales tasks smoothly and in a timely manner.
Requirements
Essential criteria for the position include: Experience in Car Sales is essential.
Excellent sales, communication, negotiating and influencing skills.
Proven excellent customer service skills with a commitment to providing the best possible standard of customer service.
Strong presentation, organisational and prioritisation skills.
Good judgement and ability to act with discretion, diplomacy and tact.
Ability to remain calm, well organised, and confident, particularly when working to demanding deadlines.
Customer Centric Attitude.
Ability to meet sales targets.
An outstanding attitude and passion for sales and customer service.
An enthusiastic, dynamic and team orientated personality that offers help and support to others with ability to take direction and assist their colleagues when necessary.
Ability to work autonomously when necessary.
Willingness to learn and develop and keep up-to-date with complex/ technical/product information.
Thorough knowledge of computer applications.
A full UK driving licence is required for this position.
Benefits
This is an incredible opportunity to join a business that offers both a competitive salary along with a prestige brand and company culture. A company car is included together with a workplace pension. Other benefits include great staff discounts and life assurance and training provided by the manufacturer training academy.
If you have the knowledge and experience in a corporate industry and you’re looking for your next career move, then we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now by following the link on this page or contact Purely Automotive Recruitment Ltd for a confidential discussion.
Purely Automotive Recruitment Ltd is a dedicated automotive industry talent resourcing service provider operating across the UK and Ireland.
Candidate application
Please complete the preliminary candidate application form below quoting the vacancy reference and we will be in touch soon.
Supercar Vehicle Technician
Reference: ZR_817_JOB
Supercar Vehicle Technician
Knutsford, Cheshire
Highly Competitive Remuneration
Purely Automotive Recruitment Ltd offers an excellent opportunity for a Supercar Vehicle Technician to join our client and their team based in Knutsford, Cheshire. Our client operates within an exclusive luxury and supercar service and repair centre based in a modern well-equipped facility with a fantastic working environment. If you are a qualified Vehicle Technician looking for a new career with a keen passion to work on supercars, we would love to hear from you.
Ideally, we are looking for a fully Trained VAG (Group) or similar manufacturer level qualified Vehicle Technician together holding a formal qualification in Automotive City & Guilds/NVQ Level 1, 2 or 3 in Light Vehicle Maintenance.
You will have the ability to work efficiently and have he ability to tackle all aspects of vehicle repairs and servicing. You must be energetic and enjoy working on different types of motor cars with a charismatic attitude and be team player. You will also have the ability to discuss mechanical solutions professionally face to face with clients.
Our client provides a fantastic working culture in an environment to enable any professional Vehicle Technician to enjoy working on Supercars.
Benefits
Our client provides the training and facilities to help you make the next big step in your career. They will also recognise and reward your hard work, loyalty and achievements. As well as competitive salary you will also benefit from a bonus mechanism based upon performance. The company offers an excellent level of basic salary which is between £35000 – £45000 OTE per annum plus bonus depending on your experience.
Purely Automotive Recruitment is a dedicated Automtive Industry Talent Service Provider operating across the UK and Ireland.
Candidate application
Please complete the preliminary candidate application form below quoting the vacancy reference and we will be in touch soon.
Service Advisor
Reference: ZR_819_JOB
Service Advisor
Knutsford, Cheshire
Highly Competitive Remuneration
Purely Automotive Recruitment offers an excellent opportunity for a Service Advisor to join our client based in based in Knutsford. Working as part of the team in a busy, and modern Service Centre, we require a candidate that can provide support to the business and provide outstanding customer care. Our client operates a service centre for exclusive sports and luxury vehicles.
Requirements
The ideal applicant needs to be motivated, enthusiastic and a committed individual who is capable of consistently delivering the highest standards of customer service. You will have an outgoing personality and a pleasant manner and be a good communicator. Excellent organisational skills are prerequisite for this position. You must also be of smart appearance, computer-literate and have a good eye for detail.
Ideally you will have a proven track record either as a Service Advisor or Parts Advisor, and ideally in the motor industry. This is a full-time opportunity for the right candidate.
Our client is committed to ‘Developing Talent’ and ‘Building Careers’. They will also recognise and reward your hard work, loyalty and achievements. A highly competitive salary awaits the right candidate for this fantastic opportunity.
To apply please follow the link on this page or contact Jason Shenton at Purely Automotive Recruitment for a confidential discussion.
Purely Automotive Recruitment is a dedicated Automotive Industry talent resourcing service provider operating across the UK and Ireland.
Candidate application
Please complete the preliminary candidate application form below quoting the vacancy reference and we will be in touch soon.