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The London Congestion Charge for electric cars
Electric cars are no longer exempt from the London Congestion Charge. Since 2 January 2026 they pay £13.50 a day (a 25% discount on the £18 charge), but only if they are registered for Auto Pay. Electric cars still do not pay the ULEZ charge.
What changed
The 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount for electric vehicles ended on 25 December 2025. From 2 January 2026 the daily charge rose to £18 (or £21 if paid within three days after travel), and a smaller discount replaced the exemption.
| Vehicle (registered for Auto Pay) | Discount | Daily charge |
|---|---|---|
| Electric car | 25% | £13.50 |
| Electric van, HGV or quadricycle | 50% | £9 |
| Electric car not on Auto Pay | None | £18 |
How to get the discount
Register your vehicle for Auto Pay through a Transport for London road user account. The discount does not apply if you pay another way.
Future changes
From 4 March 2030 the discount for electric cars is due to fall to 12.5%, and to 25% for electric vans, HGVs and quadricycles.
ULEZ
The Ultra Low Emission Zone is a separate scheme. Fully electric cars meet its standards, so they do not pay the ULEZ charge.
Frequently asked questions
Do electric cars pay the London Congestion Charge?
Yes, since 2 January 2026. Electric cars registered for Auto Pay pay £13.50 a day, a 25% discount on the £18 charge. Without Auto Pay they pay the full £18.
When did the electric car exemption end?
The 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount ended on 25 December 2025, and the new discounted charge applied from 2 January 2026.
Do electric cars pay ULEZ?
No. ULEZ is separate from the Congestion Charge, and fully electric cars meet its standards.
Will the electric car discount change again?
Yes. From 4 March 2030 the discount for electric cars is due to fall from 25% to 12.5%.
Official sources
- Transport for London: Changes to the Congestion Charge scheme (notice)
- Transport for London: Congestion Charge proposals and outcome
Related
- Electric Car Grant and EV tax in the UK
- Do electric cars pay road tax?
- How much does public EV charging cost?
- EV charging times and home charging
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Page reviewed 2026-09-23. See how we check and our sources. General information, not financial, legal or technical advice.