Do I Need to Register an Electric Car for the London Congestion Charge?
And what about the London LEZ and ULEZ?
All zero-emissions vehicles are eligible for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, but you must still register them with Transport For London (TFL) to drive in the zone. This will help you avoid a fine.
This article will explain how to register your electric car for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount.
What is the Congestion Charge?
The London Congestion Charge is a fee that drivers must pay to drive through the busier area of central London.
The charge is daily, and applies from 7:00am to 18:00pm Monday to Friday, and 12:00pm to 18:00pm weekends and bank holidays.
Are Electric Vehicles Currently Exempt?
Currently, all zero-emissions vehicles are eligible for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount. This exemption means you don't have to pay to drive through the Congestion Charge zone. To be eligible, your zero-emissions car or van must be registered in the UK or the European Economic Area (EEA) and weigh less than 3.5 tonnes (gross).
However, things are changing in 2025…
Will EVs Have to Pay in 2025?
From the 25th of December 2025, the Cleaner Vehicle Discount is being discontinued.
TfL cites the reason for the discontinuation as maintaining the effectiveness of the scheme. As more people are adapting EVs, the higher the number of electric vehicles will be using the zone.
By charging everyone the same fee, TfL hopes to continue to manage traffic and congestion in Central London.
How Do I Register My Electric Car for the Congestion Charge Cleaner Vehicle Discount?
You can register for this discount online or by post and you must renew it annually. While it allows you to drive through the zone for free, there is a £10 registration charge to pay every year.
For a UK-registered vehicle, you must upload an image or send a photocopy of your car’s V5C (logbook) to apply for the discount. For an EEA-registered vehicle, you must upload an image or photocopy the vehicle registration document issued by your vehicle licensing agency.
In both cases, this document must clearly show that your vehicle is registered as a “Battery Electric” or “Hydrogen Fuel Cell” vehicle. You can either upload these documents as part of your online application or email/post them later.
You can register your electric car for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount on the TFL website.
FAQs
What About Drivers of Non-Electric Cars?
What About the Low Emission or Ultra-Low Emissions Zones?
What’s The Difference Between The Congestion Charge And A Clean Air Zone?
Read More
What are Clean Air Zones (And Where are They?)
The LEZ and ULEZ in London are forms of Clean Air Zones, a relatively new way of improving the air quality in several major UK cities. Find out more about these schemes in this article, including where they are and what you'll be charged to drive through them.
Is an Electric Car Right for Me?
If you currently have to pay the Congestion Charge or to drive through the LEZ or ULEZ in London, you will spend a lot of money this year. Switching to an electric car might help you to avoid many of those expenses. Find out if an electric car meets your driving needs and is right for you in 2024.
What Cars are Exempt From the London Congestion Charge?
If you live in London or you’re planning a trip, you’ll have to take into consideration the daily congestion charge. Some cars are exempt from the charge due to several reasons – does your vehicle fall under the exemption bracket? Find out in this article.