London congestion charge for EV drivers comes into effect

Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in central London are now having to pay the capital’s congestion charge for the first time.

Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan confirmed in November that EVs would lose their exemption from the fee from 2 January.

The regular daily congestion charge for non-electrified vehicles has also risen from £15 to £18, its first hike since 2020.

The congestion charge, introduced in 2003, covers an area of central London between 07:00 and 18:00 on weekdays, and between 12:00 and 18:00 on weekends and bank holidays.

Pure battery-powered EVs had previously been eligible for a 100% discount.

Electric cars are now eligible for a 25% discount if registered for Auto Pay, reducing the fee to £13.50 a day.

There is a 50% discount for electric vans, HGVs, light quadricycles and heavy quadricycles registered for Auto Pay.

Joan Owen drives an electric vehicle into London for her volunteer shifts at the NSPCC.

“There seems little incentive now to get an electric vehicle,” she told BBC London.

“I usually drive at night, so I won’t be affected so much by this new charge. But I will be affected if I want to do additional shifts over bank holidays.

“It affects the charity, and I think that’s what has upset me most. If they want to claim that money back, then they have that extra layer of administration in doing so, rather than being exempt in the first instance.”

Transport for London had previously proposed scrapping the electric vehicle exemption entirely.

It said without changes, about 2,200 more vehicles would use the congestion charging zone on an average weekday in 2026, increasing congestion and undermining the current scheme.

The Auto Pay discounts for electric vehicles are due to be reduced further in 2030 – to 12.5% for electric cars, and to 25% for electric vans, HGVs, light quadricycles and heavy quadricycles.

From March 2027, for new applicants only, the 90% residents’ discount will also only be available for EVs.