Do I have to pay congestion charge when driving an EV in London?

One of the biggest drawbacks to driving in London is the Congestion Charge. Electric cars have previously been exempt from it – but the law is about to change. We take a look at everything you need to know about driving your electric car in London, including EV road exemptions and when to pay.

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Do electric cars pay the Congestion Charge?

The short answer is no, electric vehicle drivers don’t have to pay the London Congestion Charge. However, that’s about to change.

From 25 December 2025, electric cars will no longer qualify for an exemption. You’ll need to pay a £15 daily charge to drive your electric vehicle in central London.

Until then, vehicles with CO2 emissions of less than 75g/km and a minimum 20-mile zero-emission capable range don’t have to pay the Congestion Charge.

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What is the London Congestion Charge?

The Congestion Charge is a small fee paid to Transport for London (TFL) for driving in central London. It aims to reduce traffic and harmful emissions during peak times.

Congestion Charge applies:

• Monday to Friday: 7 am to 6 pm
• Saturday and Sunday: 12 pm to 6 pm

You’ll pay £15 for every day you enter the Congestion Charge Zone (CCZ). However, you won’t pay more than once a day, regardless of how often you come in and out.

Hybrid drivers have had to pay the Congestion Charge since October 2021. From 25 December 2025, fully-electric vehicle drivers will need to pay it too.

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Where is the Congestion Charge Zone?

The London Congestion Charge Zone covers most of central London, including the City of Westminster and the City of London, as well as parts of Camden, Lambeth and Southwark.

The zone is typically signposted by the letter “C” in a red circle, but make sure to do your research before driving in London. You can view a full map on the TFL website.

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Am I automatically exempt?

If you drive an EV, you’ll need to apply for a Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD) via the TFL website to qualify for exemption. You may also need to pay a one-off fee to register for your discount.

However, this won’t matter come 25 December 2025. All vehicles will face a Congestion Charge, regardless of whether you drive electric or not.

Do electric cars pay ULEZ?

Electric cars are also exempt from Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges. This is an additional charge that seeks to reduce emissions and pollution in a wider area of the capital.

It typically only applies to older cars, motorbikes, vans or mopeds – so fully electric drivers don’t have to worry about it. Yet another reason to make the switch!

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London Congestion Charge for EV drivers

EV exemptions are soon to be a thing of the past. If you need to drive your car in central London, you’ll pay a Congestion Charge from 25 December 2025.

You still won’t face ULEZ charges, however, and you can make the most of your EV Cleaner Vehicle exemption until the end of the year.

Heading out? To search for EV charging points in London and across the UK, check out the EV Infinity app.

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