Electric vehicle drivers now have to pay the Congestion Charge in London from today (2 January) after changes confirmed in November took effect.

Introduced alongside an increase in the existing daily charge from £15 to £18 (if paid on the day or in advance), the change levies fees on EV drivers for the first time in a move to ensure the Congestion Charge “remains effective at managing traffic and congestion within central London”.

Previously, electric vehicles were entitled to a 100% discount under the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD), subject to registration with TfL.

But from today, a first wave of changes introduce a 50% discount for electric vans, HGVs and quadricycles registered for Auto Pay, along with a 25% discount for electric cars registered for Auto Pay. This means drivers of electric vans now pay £9 and electric car drivers pay £13.50.

That lasts until 4 March 2030, when the discount falls to 25% for electric vans, HGVs and quadricycles and 12.5% for electric cars registered for Auto Pay in the second phase of changes.

‘Back to base’ electric car club vehicles get an exemption with a new 100% discount, applying to car club EVs that are hired from and returned to the same marked parking space within the zone.

The previous system for resident discounts is changing too. From 1 March 2027, new applicants to the scheme will only get the current 90% discount for EVs. Drivers in receipt of the discount prior to this date will retain their 90% discount, regardless of vehicle fuel type.

Transport for London has said changes were required to stop around 2,200 additional vehicles driving during operating hours in the zone on an average weekday, undermining the benefits of the Congestion Charge and leading to more queues and delays.

Although TfL had previously proposed scrapping the EV exemption entirely, it’s instead moved to a new tiered system of discounts in order to continue incentivising the important switch to electric vehicles.

Speaking in November, Christina Calderato, TfL’s director of strategy, said: “If we want to ensure that London remains a thriving city for everyone to enjoy, then it’s vital that traffic and congestion is kept under control and managed effectively. The changes to the Congestion Charging scheme play a key role in allowing us to do that, while striking a careful balance that enables drivers, businesses and other organisations to continue transitioning to cleaner vehicles and more sustainable forms of transport.”

The Congestion Charge is levied as a daily charge for motorists driving within the Congestion Charging Zone (CCZ) across central London during charging times. Charging times are 07:00-18:00 Monday-Friday and 12:00-18:00 Saturday-Sunday and bank holidays. There are no charges during Christmas Day to the New Year’s Day bank holiday (inclusive).