In a significant shift for the capital's transport policy, Mayor Sadiq Khan has confirmed that drivers of electric vehicles will no longer be exempt from London's Congestion Charge starting in 2026.
An End to the Exemption
The move marks the end of the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, which previously allowed zero-emission vehicles to enter the zone for free. The new measures, confirmed on the Transport for London (TfL) website, are part of a broader strategy to tackle congestion and reduce the overall number of vehicles in central London.
From 2 January 2026, the changes will come into effect. Owners of electric cars will be required to pay £13.50 to enter the Congestion Charge zone, reflecting a 25% discount on the new standard rate. Drivers of electric vans and lorries will face a lower charge of £9, benefiting from a 50% discount.
Phased Reductions and Standard Charge Increase
The discounts for electric vehicles are not permanent. By March 2030, they will be progressively reduced. The discount for electric vans and lorries will fall to 25%, and the discount for electric cars will be halved to just 12.5%.
Simultaneously, the standard Congestion Charge for non-electric vehicles will see its first increase since 2020, rising from £15 to £18.
Residents who live within the zone will continue to receive substantial support, with reductions of up to 90%. However, a key change affects new residents: those moving into the zone after 1 March 2027 will not be eligible for any discount unless they drive an electric vehicle.
Supporting a Sustainable Transition
Mayor Sadiq Khan defended the policy, stating, "Keeping London moving by reducing congestion is vital for our city and for our economy." He highlighted that without these changes, the city could see an additional 2,200 vehicles in the charging zone on an average weekday next year.
"We must support Londoners and businesses to use more sustainable travel," he added, "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."
Full discounts of up to 100% will be maintained for low-income and disabled Londoners, ensuring the scheme remains fair for the most vulnerable.
Christina Calderato, TfL's Director of Strategy, echoed this sentiment, emphasising the need to manage traffic effectively while enabling a transition to cleaner transport. The climate charity Possible also welcomed the move to link the charge to public transport fares, ensuring that driving does not become disproportionately cheaper.
