Do electric cars pay a congestion charge?

Find out whether or not electric cars are exempt from paying the congestion charge

If you’re planning on driving through central London, you might have to pay a fee called the congestion charge. The congestion charge was introduced by the government in 2003 to deter people from driving through the centre of the capital.

The aim? To reduce traffic and, most importantly, air pollution in the city. But do electric cars have to pay congestion charges, or are they exempt?

What is the congestion charge zone?

The ‘Congestion Charge Zone’ (or CCZ for short) is an area in central London that you have to pay to drive through. The area covers the busiest parts of the city, including the City of London and the bustling West End. You’ll know you’re entering it when you see a road sign with a big white ‘C’ in a red circle.

Drivers that enter the congestion zone have to pay a flat fee of £15 per day. The congestion charge applies between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and midday to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays.

This is different to the Ultra-Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ), which applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week — the only exception is Christmas Day. But more on that later.

Are electric cars exempt from the congestion charge?

Yes. If you’re the proud owner of an electric vehicle, or you’re looking for extra incentive to get one, then you’ll be pleased to hear that electric cars are exempt from the congestion charge, for now at least.

Zero-emission vehicles can drive in central London free of charge thanks to the Cleaner Vehicle Discount. However, this exemption is due to come to an end on 25 December 2025 to further reduce the amount of traffic in the city. After this date, all vehicle owners – even those with electric cars – will have to pay the congestion charge, unless you're eligible for another form of discount or exemption.

How do you apply for a congestion charge exemption?

For 2025 you can still apply for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount through the Transport for London website. You'll need to upload proof of your V5C logbook. It costs £10 per car to register even though you won't get a full year's worth of use out of it with exemption rules changing in December.

If you don’t register for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount before driving through central London, you’ll still have to pay the congestion charge, even though your car is electric. You’ll be fined if you don’t pay the charge, so make sure your registration has been approved before you set off through the city.

Do electric cars pay ULEZ?

No, electric cars are exempt from paying ULEZ too. ULEZ covers a much bigger area than the congestion charge zone, reaching as far as (but not including) the North and South Circular roads.

We briefly touched upon it earlier, but ULEZ charges apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week (the only exception is Christmas Day), and anyone entering the zone has to pay £12.50 per day (unless you’re fully electric, that is).