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London Congestion Charge Rises, EVs Face New Fees
13 Nov
Summary
- Congestion charge in London to increase by 20% to £18 in January 2026
- Electric vehicles will no longer be exempt, but will get 25-50% discounts
- Changes aim to reduce traffic and keep London's congestion charge "fit for purpose"
As of January 2026, significant changes are coming to London's congestion charge. The charge will increase by 20%, rising from £15 to £18. More notably, electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be exempt from the levy, marking a major shift in the city's policies.
However, EV drivers will still receive discounted rates. Electric cars will get a 25% discount, while electric vans and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) will pay 50% of the full charge. This move is intended to keep the congestion charge "fit for purpose" as the number of EVs on London's roads has surged, with almost 120,000 now registered to drive in the zone compared to 2019.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that without the changes, an additional 2,200 vehicles would be using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday, undermining the charge's effectiveness. The congestion charge was introduced in 2003 to reduce traffic in the city center.
While the changes have been criticized by some as a "backward step" that will make it harder for people to go green, the mayor maintains that substantial incentives will remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles.
