Drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) in central London are now required to pay the city’s congestion charge starting January 2nd, marking a significant policy change. Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan announced this decision in November, ending the previous exemption for EVs.

Additionally, the standard congestion charge for conventional vehicles has increased from £15 to £18, representing its first hike since 2020.

The congestion charge, established in 2003, applies to central London during weekdays from 07:00 to 18:00, and on weekends and bank holidays from 12:00 to 18:00. Previously, fully electric battery-powered vehicles enjoyed a complete exemption from this fee.

Now, electric cars can receive a 25% discount if they are registered for Auto Pay, lowering their daily fee to £13.50. Electric vans, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), light quadricycles, and heavy quadricycles registered for Auto Pay are eligible for a 50% discount.

Transport for London had earlier suggested eliminating the exemption for electric vehicles altogether, citing concerns that, without changes, around 2,200 additional vehicles might enter the congestion charge zone on an average weekday by 2026, exacerbating congestion and compromising the effectiveness of the current scheme.

Looking ahead, the Auto Pay discounts for electric vehicles will be further reduced in 2030, with reductions to 12.5% for electric cars and to 25% for vans, HGVs, light quadricycles, and heavy quadricycles.

Furthermore, beginning in March 2027, new applicants will find that the 90% residents’ discount will only be available for electric vehicles.