![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/0_The-Ultra-Low-Emissions-Zone-Comes-Into-Effect.jpg\")
The Congestion Charge is going up for the first time in years(Image: Jack Taylor\/Getty Images)<\/p>\nElectric vehicles must now pay the congestion charge with reduced discounts as the daily rate rises from \u00a315 to \u00a318<\/p>\n
07:46, 02 Jan 2026Updated 09:56, 02 Jan 2026<\/p>\n
The Congestion Charge is going up for the first time in years(Image: Jack Taylor\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
For the first time, drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) in central London are required to pay the capital’s Congestion Charge. Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan<\/a> announced back in November that EVs would no longer be exempt<\/a> from the fee starting from Friday (January 2).<\/p>\n The regular daily congestion charge for non-electrified vehicles has also seen its first increase since 2020<\/a> \u2013 jumping from \u00a315 to \u00a318 if paid on the day or \u00a321 if paid within 3 days. The congestion charge, which was introduced in 2003, applies to an area of central London between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, and between noon and 6pm on weekends and bank holidays.<\/p>\n Previously, pure battery-powered EVs were eligible for a 100 per cent discount, but as of Friday, this has been reduced to 25 per cent for cars, and 50 per cent for vans and lorries. The measures will see drivers of electric vehicles charged \u00a313.50 to enter the zone, while electric van owners will have to pay \u00a39.<\/p>\n The EV discount will be further slashed from March 4, 2030, to 12.5 per cent for cars and 25 per cent for vans and lorries. Residents living within the zone can receive reductions of up to 90 per cent. However, those moving into the zone after March 1, 2027 will not be eligible for a discount unless they drive an electric vehicle.<\/p>\n This comes ahead of the so-called manic Monday (January 5), which is predicted to be one of the worst days for breakdowns. January 5 has been dubbed by the AA as a day likely to see a surge in calls for assistance, as motorists start using their cars again after leaving them idle over Christmas.<\/p>\n How to get the discount and pay the Congestion Charge<\/p>\n For UK-registered vehicle owners to get the new Cleaner Vehicle Discount, you need to first register for a London Road User Charging account and <\/strong>set up Auto Pay. Then make sure the vehicle you drive in the zone is added to your Auto Pay service.<\/p>\n There’s no fee to set up Auto Pay or to add your vehicles. You don’t need to apply separately for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount.<\/p>\n If you are already registered for Auto Pay and your vehicle details are correct, you don’t need to do anything. Once your electric vehicle is on Auto Pay, the discounted rate will be applied. You can add or remove vehicles by selecting ‘Manage Auto Pay’ when you are logged in to your account. You can set up Auto Pay here<\/a><\/p>\n If you have an electric vehicle that is registered outside of the UK, it must be registered with and on Auto Pay before you can get the discount. There is no fee to register your vehicle with us<\/a>.<\/p>\n Only electric cars, vans, HGVS and quadricycles are eligible for the new Cleaner Vehicle Discount. Other electric vehicle, like buses, coaches and minibuses may be eligible for a different Congestion Charge discount<\/a>, like the 9+ seater discount.<\/p>\n You can pay in advance, on the day of travel or by midnight of the third day after travel. The daily charge is \u00a318 if you pay in advance or on the same day, or \u00a321 by midnight of the third day after travel.<\/p>\n If you don’t pay by midnight on the third day after travel in the zone, you will receive a Penalty Charge Notice (PCN). You can either pay through setting up Auto Pay (as explained above) or online through the official TfL site here<\/a>.<\/p>\n![\"Map](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/1_Congestion-Charge.jpg\")
Map showing the London Congestion Charge boundary, the main roads within the zone and areas where residents get an extra discount (Image: TfL)<\/p>\n