Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs) in 2025: What You Need to Know

28th Aug 2025

The HMRC Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs) provide vital guidance for businesses and employees using company vehicles for business travel. These government-set rates ensure fair and accurate reimbursement for business mileage and help simplify fuel expense claims for company car users.

The latest government advisory fuel rates came into effect in September 2025 and include a slight increase for diesel vehicles, while rates for petrol and LPG remain unchanged. HMRC has for the first time introduced a two-tier AER for electric vehicles to reflect real-world charging costs for those using home and public chargers.

Contents

What Are Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs)?

Advisory Fuel Rates are the rates set by HMRC to help employers reimburse employees for business travel in company cars, or for employees to repay fuel used for private travel. The rates aim to reflect current fuel costs across petrol, diesel, LPG, and electric vehicles.

These rates are regularly reviewed and updated by HMRC to ensure they remain aligned with changing fuel prices and vehicle efficiency standards. For employers, AFRs provide a straightforward method of reimbursing mileage expenses without needing to calculate fuel costs manually for every journey.

Why should your business use AFRs?

Hands On Cars Steering Wheel

Using HMRC Advisory Fuel Rates makes it easier for employers to manage mileage reimbursements for employees who use company vehicles. These rates are set by the government and are designed to reflect current fuel prices, so businesses don’t need to spend time calculating fuel costs for every trip.

By following these rates, companies can simplify their paperwork and stay in line with tax rules, reducing the risk of mistakes or problems during audits.

Another key benefit is that employers can reimburse employees without triggering extra tax charges, as long as the payments match or stay below the HMRC rates. If the rates are exceeded, the extra amount becomes taxable, which could create more work for both the employer and the employee.

AFRs also ensure fairness by making sure employees are properly reimbursed for their business travel costs. For employees, this means they don’t have to worry about being out of pocket when using a company car for work purposes.

What are the current Advisory Fuel Rates?

The new rates, valid from 1st September 2025, show a slight increase for diesel vehicles, while rates for petrol and LPG remain steady. Hybrid vehicles are treated as petrol or diesel for AFR purposes. HMRC has for the first time introduced a two-tier AER for electric vehicles to reflect real-world charging costs for those using home and public chargers.

Petrol Vehicles

Engine Size (cc) Mean MPG Fuel Price (Per Litre) Fuel Price (Per Gallon) Rate Per Mile Advisory Fuel Rate
Up to 1400cc 51.0 138.7 pence 630.7 pence 12.4 pence 12 pence
1401 to 2000cc 42.3 138.7 pence
630.7 pence
14.9 pence
14 pence
Over 2000cc 27.1 138.7 pence
630.7 pence
23.3 pence
22 pence

Diesel Vehicles

Engine Size (cc) Mean MPG Fuel Price (Per Litre) Fuel Price (Per Gallon) Rate Per Mile Advisory Fuel Rate
Up to 1600cc 56.9 146.1 pence 664.3 pence 11.7 pence 12 pence
1601 to 2000cc 49.3 146.1 pence
664.3 pence
13.5 pence
13 pence
Over 2000cc 38.0 146.1 pence
664.3 pence
17.5 pence
18 pence

LPG (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Vehicles

Engine Size (cc) Mean MPG Fuel Price (Per Litre) Fuel Price (Per Gallon) Rate Per Mile Advisory Fuel Rate
Up to 1400cc 40.8 98.3 pence 446.9 pence 10.9 pence 11 pence
1401 to 2000cc 33.8 98.3 pence
446.9 pence
13.2 pence
13 pence
Over 2000cc 21.7 98.3 pence
446.9 pence
20.6 pence
21 pence

Electric Vehicles

HMRC has, for the first time, introduced separate advisory mileage rates for electric vehicles. Drivers charging at home will now be reimbursed at 8p per mile, while those relying on public charging where costs are higher, will receive 14p per mile. This change provides fairer recognition of real-world charging costs and helps ensure EV drivers are not left out of pocket.

Hybrid cars are treated as either petrol or diesel cars for advisory fuel rates.

Charging Type Advisory Electric Rate
Home Charging 8 pence
Public Charging 14 pence

Frequently asked questions

Can a company pay more than the advisory fuel rate?

Yes, companies can pay more, but any amount above HMRC’s rate is treated as taxable income for the employee and must be reported, with additional National Insurance contributions required from the employer.

Do HMRC check mileage claims?

HMRC may review mileage claims during audits. Keeping accurate records of journeys, including dates, purposes, and distances, is essential to avoid penalties for incorrect or inflated claims.

Do I need fuel receipts to claim mileage?

While HMRC doesn’t always require fuel receipts for AFR-based claims, it’s good practice to keep them as proof of fuel purchases, especially for audits or company reimbursement policies.

Make the most out of Advisory Fuel Rates

Managing Advisory Fuel Rates (AFRs) doesn’t have to be a challenge. With the right approach, you can ensure compliance while keeping your fleet operations efficient and cost-effective.

At Pendragon Vehicle Management, we offer the expertise to support your business in navigating AFR changes and implementing effective fleet management strategies. Explore our fleet solutions to learn more about how we can help, or contact us today for personalised advice.