The EU EV Import Boom
According to SMMT data, EU manufacturers shipped electric vehicles worth £17.6 billion to the UK in the 12 months to June 2025. This represents a staggering 424% increase compared with pre-Covid levels in 2019, when UK-EU EV trade stood at just £4.6 billion.
The figures demonstrate how comprehensively the automotive industry's shift to electrification has transformed cross-Channel trade. Pure electric vehicle shipments from the EU to the UK now outpace those from China by more than two to one - despite the extensive media coverage of Chinese EV expansion.
Why Import an EU Electric Vehicle?
Several factors are driving UK buyers to import EVs from European markets:
- Wider model selection: Some specifications and variants available in Europe aren't sold in the UK market.
- Price differences: Currency fluctuations can make European purchases attractive, particularly for high-value vehicles.
- Faster availability: Build slots and delivery times can differ between markets.
- Relocation: Many imports are personal vehicles belonging to people moving to the UK.
- Dealer stock: UK dealers source vehicles from across Europe to meet demand.
Popular EU Electric Vehicles
The most commonly imported EVs from European markets include:
| Brand | Popular Models | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| Volkswagen | ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 | Germany |
| BMW | iX, i4, iX1 | Germany |
| Mercedes-Benz | EQA, EQB, EQE | Germany |
| Audi | Q4 e-tron, e-tron GT | Germany/Belgium |
| Porsche | Taycan | Germany |
| Polestar | Polestar 2, Polestar 3 | Sweden/China |
Import Costs for EU EVs
The good news for EU EV importers: under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, qualifying vehicles trade tariff-free. This means:
- Import Duty: 0% for vehicles meeting rules of origin requirements
- Import VAT: 20% on the vehicle value (reclaimable for VAT-registered businesses)
- Shipping: £800 - £1,500 from most EU locations to the UK
- DVLA Registration: £55 first registration fee
For most EU-built EVs, the total import cost adds 20-25% to the purchase price - significantly less than importing from non-EU countries where 10% duty applies.
EU Certificate of Conformity (COC)
One significant advantage of EU vehicle imports is the Certificate of Conformity. Since Brexit, the UK still accepts EU COCs for most vehicles, which means:
- No IVA testing required for vehicles with a valid COC
- Straightforward DVLA registration process
- Only minor checks needed (headlights, speedometer units)
- Faster overall registration timeline
This is a major advantage over imports from the US or Japan, where IVA testing is typically required for vehicles under 10 years old.
EV-Specific Considerations
When importing an electric vehicle, there are some additional factors to consider:
- Charging connector: EU vehicles use the same Type 2/CCS standards as UK vehicles - no adapter needed.
- Warranty: Check whether the manufacturer warranty transfers to the UK. Most premium brands honour EU warranties in the UK.
- Software updates: Ensure the vehicle can receive over-the-air updates in the UK market.
- Navigation: Most modern EVs have UK maps available; verify before purchase.
- Battery state of health: For used EVs, request a battery health report before purchasing.
The Process: EU to UK
Importing an EV from the EU typically follows these steps:
- Purchase the vehicle and arrange collection or delivery to a UK-bound transporter
- Ship via RoRo ferry or Channel Tunnel
- Clear UK customs and pay import VAT
- Submit NOVA declaration to HMRC
- Obtain COC from manufacturer (if not supplied with vehicle)
- Register with DVLA using V55/5 form
- Receive UK registration and plates
The entire process typically takes 2-4 weeks from purchase to UK registration.