Electric vehicles to pay London Congestion Charge in 2025

Delivering an unwanted Christmas present for electric car drivers, it’s been confirmed that from December 25, 2025, all EVs will be required to pay the London Congestion Charge.

Currently, all fully electric cars, or Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), are completely exempt from the London Congestion Charge and the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charge. This applies to all models regardless of power output or purchase price.

However, this exemption won’t last forever. Under the current rules, electric vehicles qualify for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, which grants them exemption from the London Congestion Charge. But this discount is set to expire on December 25, 2025.

Electric cars are set to lose their exemption from the London Congestion Charge. (Credit: Mariordo (Mario Roberto Durán Ortiz)/Wikipedia)

How much will EV drivers need to pay?

Once the Cleaner Vehicle Discount ends, EV drivers will need to pay the standard daily Congestion Charge, which is currently £15.

This means that, starting December 25, 2025, electric cars will be treated the same as petrol and diesel vehicles when it comes to congestion charges.

Transport for London (TfL) has introduced this change as part of a wider strategy to manage increasing traffic and congestion in the capital.

Will EVs still be exempt from ULEZ charges?

Yes, fully electric vehicles will continue to be exempt from ULEZ charges even after 2025. The ULEZ scheme, which targets high-emission vehicles in an effort to improve air quality, will not affect BEVs as they produce zero tailpipe emissions.

Where will these charges apply?

The London Congestion Charge zone covers a large area of central London, including popular districts such as Westminster, the City of London, Mayfair, and South Bank. Any electric vehicle entering this zone from December 25, 2025, will be subject to the daily charge unless new policies are introduced.

Will other cities with congestion zones be charging EVs now

There are currently no plans to make the change to charge fully electric vehicles to use zones in the like of Bristol, Birmingham and Oxford, but with councils looking for ways to boost incomes - it's a case of 'watch this space'.

Should you consider an EV now?

If avoiding congestion charges is a key factor in your decision-making, leasing or purchasing an EV before 2025 still offers a cost-saving advantage. Businesses and individuals using EVs in central London can continue to enjoy congestion charge exemptions until the new rules come into effect.

With this change on the horizon, now is a good time to evaluate your vehicle choices and consider whether an EV still aligns with your needs and budget in the long term. Keep an eye on updates from Transport for London for any future changes to congestion charging policies.

 

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