The 100% discount on plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs) entering London’s congestion charge zone has been scrapped. The PHEV exemption was withdrawn on Monday, October 25 to coincide with the launch of London’s expanded ultra-low emission zone (ULEZ). The expanded ULEZ covers an area up to, but not including, the North Circular Road (A406) and South Circular Road (A205).
Tanya Ferguson, senior policy and programmes officer for the Greater London Authority (GLA), said: “We’re ending the cleaner vehicle discount for plug-in hybrids in recognition of the point that vehicles (irrespective of emissions) contribute to congestion and we want to be encouraging a shift to walking, cycling and public transport.”
Prior to the change, only vehicles that emitted no more than 75g/km of CO2 and had a minimum 20-mile zero emission capable range, qualified for the 100% cleaner vehicle discount.
Now, only battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles are eligible for the cleaner vehicle discount, which Transport for London (TfL) says will be scrapped altogether from December 25, 2025.
From this date, it says all vehicle owners, unless in receipt of another discount or exemption, will need to pay to enter the congestion charge zone during charging hours.
Currently, the congestion charge, which is in addition to the ULEZ charge, operates from 7am to 10pm, seven days a week, with drivers paying £15 to enter the zone.
