Are electric cars exempt from Congestion Charge?

While electric vehicles are currently exempt in 2023, from 25 December 2025, the Cleaner Vehicle discount will end. After this date, all electric vehicles – including pure battery electric vehicles – will no longer be exempt, and EV drivers will have to pay the congestion charge.



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Who doesn't have to pay congestion charges?
  • Blue Badge holders.
  • Roadside recovery vehicles.
  • Accredited breakdown vehicles.
  • Vehicles with nine or more seats.
  • Cars that emit 75g/km or less of CO2.
  • Zero-emission vehicles (Fully electric vehicles and any other zero emissions vehicles)


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However, the rules were changed in 2021, as new measures designed to further reduce congestion and improve air quality were introduced. Under the latest rules, hybrid car drivers are now liable to pay the same flat fee as drivers of fully petrol or diesel-powered vehicles.

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Who is exempt from the congestion charge? Zero-emission vehicles such as electric cars are exempt from paying the congestion charge, as are motorbikes. If you drive an EV, you need to apply for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount before driving into the charge zone.

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You need to pay a daily charge if you drive within the Congestion Charge zone 07:00-18:00 Mon-Fri, 12:00-18:00 Sat-Sun and bank holidays. No charge between Christmas Day and New Year's Day bank holiday (inclusive).

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