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EV drivers face London congestion charge for first time

Jan 3, 2026

A car passes a sign denoting the congestion charging area in London — EVs had been eligible for a 100 per cent discount in London but will now pay a congestion charge. -EPA

Electric vehicle (EV) drivers in central London have to pay the UK capital's congestion charge for the first time.

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Mayor Sadiq Khan confirmed in November that EVs would lose their exemption from the fee from Friday.

The regular daily congestion charge for non-electrified vehicles has also risen for the first time since 2020 - from STG15 to STG18 ($A30 to $A36).

The congestion charge, introduced in 2003, covers an area of central London between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and between noon and 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.

Pure battery-powered EVs had been eligible for a 100 per cent discount, but from Friday this was reduced to 25 per cent for cars, and 50 per cent for vans and trucks.

The EV discount will be cut further from March 4, 2030, to 12.5 per cent for cars and 25 per cent for vans and lorries.

Reductions of up to 90 per cent will be awarded to residents who live within the zone.

However, those who move into the zone after March 1, 2027 will not get a discount unless they use an electric vehicle.

Christina Calderato, Transport for London'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 are 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 supports drivers, businesses and other organisations to make the switch to cleaner vehicles and more sustainable forms of transport."