EVs are to be subject to the London Congestion Charge, it has been announced.
In changes to be introduced from 2 January, which have been confirmed following a consultation, the existing 100% discount for EVs, due to end on 25 December, will be replaced with a 25% discount for electric cars, and a 50% discount for electric vans, HGVs, and quadricycles.
In addition, the headline daily charge level will rise from £15 to £18.
Transport for London (TfL) said that without these changes, it estimated there could be more than 2,000 additional vehicles driving during operating hours in the Congestion Charge zone on an average weekday.
It stated: “This would undermine the benefits of the Congestion Charge – leading to more queues and delays, and negatively impacting London’s economy, local businesses, bus passengers and other essential services.”
Giving his reaction to the changes, Tom Middleditch, sustainability spokesperson for Europcar, said: “The news that the Mayor of London is removing the 100% exemption from Congestion Charge for battery electric vehicles from 2 January 2026 is disappointing.
“It is yet another example of the mixed messages coming from the country’s leadership. On the one hand private motorists and businesses are being urged to make the switch to zero tailpipe emissions; on the other the incentives to make the switch are being rapidly removed although the market is still relatively immature.
“There seems to be a battle between clean air and revenue – and it feels like clean air is going to be the loser.”
A new 100% discount for electric car club vehicles will be applied to vehicles picked up from and returned to the same bay within the charge zone. However, the industry has said that this measure does not go far enough.
Richard Dilks, chief executive of shared mobility charity CoMoUK, said: “While it is welcome that car club EVs resident in the Congestion Charge zone will not be charged, this covers just a handful of vehicles, and so is a very small reduction compared to the overall increased financial cost of these measures.
“These plans load more cost onto the capital’s car club fleet and risk denying Londoners and visitors access to shared cars that cut costs and emissions – and in particular to shared EVs.
“As well as enabling users to live a car-free or car-light lifestyle, our research has shown that each car club vehicle replaces 31 private cars in the capital, freeing up space, cutting congestion and improving air quality. They also make a big contribution to reducing car ownership and mileage, with members more likely to embrace active travel and public transport too.
“We urge the Mayor and TfL to stop treating shared cars as if they are privately-owned ones, which is completely illogical and a disservice to Londoners.”
