London congestion charge and electric cars: What you need to know (2025)

Electric vehicles offer significant savings for London drivers through the congestion charge discount. However, recent policy changes and future updates make it essential to understand the current rules. Here's everything you need to know about electric cars and London's congestion charge in 2024.

Key facts about EVs and the congestion charge

Electric cars currently receive a 100% discount on London's congestion charge, but this isn't automatic. According to Transport for London (TfL), drivers must register their vehicles for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD) to benefit from this saving. This discount remains valid until 24 December 2025, after which all vehicles, including electric ones, will need to pay the charge.

Which EVs qualify for the discount?

Not all electric vehicles are eligible for the congestion charge discount. TfL's criteria specify that qualifying vehicles must:

• Operate wholly by means of an electrically powered propulsion system
• Draw motive power from either a hydrogen fuel cell or a battery that can be fully recharged from an external source
• Have tailpipe CO2 emissions of 0 grams per kilometre

Important note: As of October 2021, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) no longer qualify for the discount, regardless of their electric range. Only pure battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are eligible.

How to register for the congestion charge discount

To avoid unnecessary charges, you must register your electric vehicle with TfL before driving in the congestion charge zone. Here's what you'll need:

• Your vehicle's V5C registration document
• Evidence that your vehicle is purely electric
• Payment for the registration fee

TfL currently manages over 112,318 vehicles registered for the discount, showing the significant uptake of electric vehicles in London.

Financial benefits and considerations

The standard congestion charge costs £15 per day, making the savings substantial for regular zone users. When registered, eligible electric vehicles can enter the zone without paying this fee. This discount applies to multiple entries on the same day.

Additional financial benefits for electric vehicle owners include:

• Zero or reduced Vehicle Excise Duty (VED)
• Exemption from ULEZ charges
• Free or reduced parking in many London boroughs
• Government grants for vehicle purchase and charging installation

Understanding the congestion charge zone

The congestion charge operates in central London within the inner ring road. Drivers should note:

• The zone is clearly marked with signs on entry points
• Enforcement occurs through automatic number plate recognition cameras
• There's no physical barrier or stopping point
• The system automatically records vehicle entries

Common questions answered

Do I need to register my electric car every time I enter the zone?

No, once registered, your discount remains valid until December 2025 or until you change vehicles.

What happens if I drive in the zone before registration?

You'll need to pay the standard charge even if your vehicle is eligible for the discount. TfL doesn't typically offer retrospective refunds.

Future changes to consider

From 25 December 2025, the cleaner vehicle discount will end completely. This change forms part of the Mayor's Transport Strategy to:

• Reduce overall traffic in central London
• Support the city's journey to becoming zero-carbon by 2030
• Maintain the effectiveness of the congestion charge as a traffic management tool

TfL explains this change is necessary as electric vehicle numbers continue to rise significantly, with registrations increasing from 20,000 in early 2019 to over 112,000 in mid-2024.

Making the most of electric vehicle benefits in London

While the congestion charge discount has an end date, electric vehicles continue to offer numerous advantages for London drivers:

• Permanent exemption from ULEZ charges
• Access to London's growing charging infrastructure network
• Lower running costs compared to conventional vehicles
• Support for London's air quality improvement goals

The shift towards electric vehicles aligns with London's broader environmental strategy, though TfL emphasises the need to reduce overall car usage in the capital, encouraging alternatives such as car clubs and public transport where possible.

For the latest information about electric vehicle benefits and congestion charge rules, visit TfL's official website or contact their customer service team directly.

Remember: Always verify current regulations and charges before driving in central London, as policies may update periodically to support the city's environmental and traffic management goals.