October 29, 2025 | Last updated on October 29, 2025 | By Ja'Nae Dayes

London Congestion Charge: Electric Vehicles’ 100% Exemption Ends December 2025

Electric car drivers in London have long benefited from a full exemption from the Congestion Charge via the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD), but this will end on 25 December 2025. From that date all vehicles, including battery-electric and hydrogen models, will be required to pay the daily charge when driving in the central zone during chargeable hours. As part of its strategy to reduce vehicle congestion, Transport for London plans to introduce a new tiered discount system from 2 January 2026, where electric cars may receive a 25% discount and electric vans/HGVs 50%, while the standard daily fee increases to £18. The exemption for fully electric vehicles under the ULEZ remains unaffected.

Table of contents

Electric car drivers have long enjoyed exemption from the London Congestion Charge, but that’s about to change.

The UK government has been working to reduce both pollution and congestion in London, two issues that cost the city billions each year. In 2024 alone, vehicle congestion cost the capital £3.85 billion, averaging £942 per driver.

According to Transport for London (TfL), electric vehicles now make up a growing share of traffic. While they produce zero tailpipe emissions, they still contribute to congestion, which is why TfL is ending the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD) at the end of 2025.

What's Changing?

From 25 December 2025, TfL will discontinue the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, which currently gives 100% exemption from the Congestion Charge to battery-electric and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.

After this date, all vehicles including EVs will need to pay the standard Congestion Charge when driving within the central London charging zone during operating hours:

Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays: 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
No charge between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day (inclusive)

The daily fee is £15 if paid in advance or on the day of travel, rising to £17.50 if paid up to three days later. Avoiding payment can result in a £180 penalty, reduced to £90 if paid within 14 days. For someone coming into the city a couple of times a week, this comes to over £1500 a year - not small change!

Key Dates EV Drivers Need to Know

Today – 25 December 2025: EVs remain exempt under the Cleaner Vehicle Discount.
25 December 2025: Exemption ends, all vehicles charged.
2 January 2026: New discount system starts: 25% discount for electric cars, 50% for vans and HGVs (if registered for Auto Pay). Daily charge is expected to rise by 20% from £15 to £18.

How to Register for the New Discount

To make sure you receive the 25% discount when the rules change:

Go to tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/congestion-charge/discounts-and-exemptions
Sign in or create a TfL account.
Add your vehicle details (registration, make, model).
Upload proof that your car is fully electric or hydrogen-powered.

Once approved, your discount will apply automatically through Auto Pay.

ULEZ vs. Congestion Charge: What’s the Difference?

The Congestion Charge and Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) are often confused, but they target different problems.

The Congestion Charge focuses on reducing traffic in central London and applies to almost all vehicles during set hours. From December 2025, even electric cars will need to pay it, though Auto Pay users will receive a discount.

The ULEZ aims to cut air pollution across Greater London, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Only petrol and diesel vehicles that don’t meet emissions standards pay the ULEZ fee electric vehicles remain fully exempt.

In short: the Congestion Charge reduces traffic, while the ULEZ improves air quality.