Electric Vehicles Lose London Congestion Charge Exemption
In a significant policy shift, drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be exempt from paying the congestion charge in central London. From 2 January 2025, owners of electric cars will be charged £13.50 per day, while those driving electric vans and lorries will face a £9 daily fee.
New Fee Structure and Upcoming Changes
The new charges represent a reduction compared to what other motorists will pay. From the same date, drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles will see their fee rise to £18, a £3 increase from the current £15. This means EV car drivers get a 25% discount, and EV van/lorry drivers a 50% discount.
This marks the end of the 100% discount that pure battery-powered EVs have enjoyed since the charge's introduction in 2003. The charges apply for driving into the congestion zone between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and noon to 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.
Further changes are already scheduled. From 4 March 2030, the discount will be cut even more sharply, dropping to just 12.5% for cars and 25% for vans and lorries.
Mayor and TfL Defend the Move
Mayor Sadiq Khan has insisted the change is essential for the scheme to "stay fit for purpose." He warned that without action, the capital could face an influx of 2,200 extra vehicles in the zone on an average weekday next year.
Transport for London (TfL) echoed this concern, estimating that without the changes, there could be over 2,000 additional vehicles during charging hours. They stated this would "undermine the benefits" of the two-decade-old scheme by causing "more queues and delays." TfL data projects that EVs will account for nearly a fifth of all vehicles in the zone by the end of this year.
Critics Warn of a 'Backward Step'
The decision has been met with strong criticism from motoring and electric vehicle groups. Edmund King, the AA president, has urged the mayor to reconsider, labelling the policy a "backward step which sadly will backfire on air quality in London."
"Many drivers are not quite ready to make the switch to electric vehicles, so incentives are still needed," King said. "This policy sends a confusing signal. You can't champion clean air while penalising the vehicles that deliver it."
Ginny Buckley, chief executive of EV advice website Electrifying.com, also voiced her opposition, stating: "It's far too soon for TfL to remove exemptions for electric vehicles from the London congestion charge."
The announcement comes amid wider speculation about future taxation for electric vehicles, with suggestions that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could introduce a pay-as-you-drive tax in an upcoming budget.
