The new measures will see drivers of electric vehicles hit with a £13.50 charge to enter the zone, while electric van owners will have to pay £9
Electric vehicles will no longer be exempt from London’s Congestion Charge from January 2026, Mayor Sadiq Khan has announced. Previously, EVs enjoyed the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, but now they’ll face charges as part of a broader plan to reduce the number of vehicles in the city centre.
From January 2, electric van and lorry drivers will receive a 50% discount when entering the zone, while electric car drivers will get a 25% discount. The measures will see drivers of electric vehicles hit with a £13.50 charge to enter the zone, while electric van owners will have to pay £9.
By March 2030, these discounts will be further reduced to 25% for electric vans and lorries, and 12.5% for electric cars. Meanwhile, the standard Congestion Charge for non-electric vehicles will increase from £15 to £18, marking the first rise since 2020.
Residents living within the zone can expect reductions of up to 90%. However, those moving into the zone after March 1, 2027, will not receive a discount unless they drive an electric vehicle.
Discounts up to 100% will continue to support low-income and disabled Londoners. Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said: “Keeping London moving by reducing congestion is vital for our city and for our economy.
“While the congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction, we must ensure it stays fit for purpose, and sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year.
“We must support Londoners and businesses to use more sustainable travel, so I’m pleased that substantial incentives will remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles, as we work to build a greener and better London for everyone.”
Meanwhile, Christina Calderato, TfL’s Director of Strategy, said: “If we want to ensure that London remains a thriving city for everyone to enjoy, then it’s vital that traffic and congestion is kept under control and managed effectively.
“The changes to the Congestion Charging scheme play a key role in allowing us to do that, while striking a careful balance that enables drivers, businesses and other organisations to continue transitioning to cleaner vehicles and more sustainable forms of transport.”
Within Transport for London’s press announcement, Izzy Romilly, Sustainable Transport Manager at climate charity Possible, also added: “Tying the Congestion Charge to public transport fares is welcome. It’s only right to make sure that public transport doesn’t get disproportionately more expensive than driving. We’re also pleased to see new support for electric car clubs.
“We need to cut traffic and invest in accessible and affordable public transport, and make sure Londoners can walk, wheel and cycle safely. This will put us on the path to a healthier, fairer London – reducing air pollution and making the city safer for everyone.”
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