Do electric cars pay the congestion charge?

If you frequently drive in central London, you’ll be familiar with the Congestion Charge. But for electric car owners, an important question arises: Do EVs need to pay it? This guide breaks down the current rules, available exemptions, and future changes, helping you easily navigate the Congestion Charge.

What is the Congestion Charge?

The Congestion Charge is a fee for vehicles driving within designated areas of central London. Introduced by Transport for London (TfL), it aims to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality by encouraging public transport, cycling, or walking.

How much is the Congestion Charge?

Vehicles driving in the Congestion Charge zone must pay £15 per day. However, drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) can apply for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD), which provides a 100% exemption.

However, starting December 2025, EV drivers must pay the congestion charge when driving within the zone during operational hours.

What Are the Congestion Zone Areas?

The Congestion Charge zone includes boroughs of central London, aimed at reducing traffic congestion in busy areas. It includes areas like:

• The City of London
• Westminster
• Parts of Camden, Lambeth, and Southwark

Visit the Transport for London (TfL) Congestion Charge zone webpage for more information and to view a detailed map. This resource offers up-to-date information about boundaries, fees, and exemptions.

Do EVs pay the Congestion Charge?

Electric vehicles (EVs) are not automatically exempt from the Congestion Charge. Still, they can apply for a 100% discount through the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD). This discount is available until December 31, 2025. From January 1, 2026, the discount will no longer apply. EV drivers must pay the standard Congestion Charge during operational hours when driving within the zone.

How to claim a Congestion Charge exemption

There is usually no need to register a ULEZ exemption. If your car is net-zero and has not been modified in a way that changes its emissions, it qualifies automatically. As such, any of the top EV cars and new electric models on the market today should be fully exempt.

The Congestion Charge exemption for electric cars is a different matter. Suppose you want to receive the Cleaner Vehicle Discount before it is discontinued at Christmas 2025. In that case, you must register with TfL and submit documents to prove you qualify.

Evidence you may need to provide includes:

• V5C DVLA certificate (also known as the vehicle’s ‘logbook’) for UK vehicles
• Equivalent document from relevant licensing agency for non-UK vehicles
• Either document must clearly state ‘battery electric’ or ‘hydrogen fuel cell.’

There is a fee to register your exemption, but it’s only £10 a year, so you’ll more than make your money back if you enter the Congestion Charge zone even once. You can submit documents digitally online or start your application and send paper copies by post later.

Who else doesn’t pay the Congestion Charge?

Some vehicles and groups don’t have to pay the Congestion Charge, including:

• Taxis and private hire vehicles
• Vehicles used by disabled drivers
• Public service vehicles like buses
• Emergency service vehicles

However, to avoid unexpected charges, it is always a good idea to double-check your exemption status before driving in the zone.

Congestion Zone charge times

Unless you’re pre-registered for an exemption, you’ll need to pay during these times when driving in the zone

• Monday to Friday: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm
• Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

The charge is suspended during Christmas and resumes after the New Year’s bank holiday. The exact dates vary each year, so be sure to check.

Do electric cars need to pay the ULEZ charge?

The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a separate fee for reducing air pollution in London. It operates 24/7, except on Christmas Day, and costs £12.50 per day for vehicles that don’t meet specific emission standards.

To be exempt from the ULEZ charge, your vehicle must meet one of the following standards:

• Petrol Cars: Must meet Euro 4 standards.
• Diesel Cars: Must meet Euro 6 standards.
• Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Fully electric, zero-emission vehicles are exempt.

Other vehicles exempt from the ULEZ charge include:

• Classic Cars: Vehicles over 40 years old with historic tax status.
• Wheelchair-Accessible Vehicles: Registered with the DVLA as wheelchair-accessible.
• Military and Certain Agricultural Vehicles: Covered under specific exemptions.

For more information on ULEZ exemptions and requirements, visit Transport for London’s ULEZ page or explore our guide to electric vans and the ULEZ.

The Bottom Line on Congestion Charges and EVs

Congestion Charge exemption for electric vehicles ends in December 2025, but driving a battery electric vehicle (BEV) in London still saves money. BEVs are exempt from the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge, which runs 24/7 except on Christmas Day.

For those driving inside the North and South Circular Roads, avoiding ULEZ fees makes EVs a cost-effective option. If you have any questions about electric vehicles or want to explore leasing options, feel free to contact us today.