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London Ends Full EV Congestion Charge Exemption, Sets Tiered Discounts for January

TfL says the move aims to cut traffic following rapid growth in EV use.

Overview

  • The 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount ended on December 25, removing full Congestion Charge exemption for electric vehicles in central London.
  • From January 2, 2026, the daily fee rises to £18 (£21 if paid up to three days after travel) and only Auto Pay registrants receive reduced rates—25% off for electric cars and 50% for electric vans, HGVs and quadricycles.
  • Drivers who do not register for Auto Pay will pay the full daily charge with no discount applied.
  • TfL frames the change as congestion management, citing more than 112,000 vehicles registered for the discount and warning of roughly 2,200 extra weekday entries without reform.
  • Further steps are scheduled, including limiting new applications for the 90% Residents' Discount to EV owners from March 2027 and cutting EV discounts again from March 4, 2030.