Blacklane warns new congestion charge plans risk undermining London’s EV progress in the private hire and chauffeur industry
- Perry Richardson
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
Concerns are growing across the professional driving sector after Blacklane said the end of the full EV exemption is a major blow for chauffeurs and private hire drivers who have already invested heavily in cleaner vehicles.
James Dow, Blacklane’s UK and Ireland general manager, said many drivers who committed early to electric vehicles now face charges that weaken the case for going electric. He said more than 60 per cent of Blacklane journeys in London are completed in EVs, reflecting years of investment from independent drivers and fleet owners.
Dow said London had been viewed as a leader in chauffeur industry electrification, but that position is now at risk. He warned the change could reduce confidence among drivers and businesses deciding where to operate, and questioned whether the policy aligns with corporate net zero travel requirements. Around half of Blacklane’s London passengers travel for business and many firms prioritise electric travel in their policies.
He said clarity is needed on how any extra revenue from EV drivers will be used. Blacklane wants to see direct reinvestment into measures that support professional EV drivers, including faster growth in the capital’s charging network.
Blacklane continues to work with operators through the Electric London coalition to push for better EV policy and maintain the capital’s position in the global market. Dow confirmed that Blacklane will not add a premium for EV journeys.
The comments highlight growing frustration in the private hire sector, with some drivers saying the new charge structure puts early adopters at a disadvantage at a time when many are trying to meet operator expectations, business travel demands and rising running costs.
James Dow said: “The decision to end the exemption of electric vehicles from the Congestion Charge is a serious setback for our industry. Professional drivers who have invested in an electric vehicle (EV), committed to an electric future, and embraced sustainability are now penalised for their forward-thinking.
“Over 60 per cent of all Blacklane journeys in London take place in an electric vehicle. London set trends in the global professional chauffeur industry for electrification. It is deeply concerning to see that reputation tarnished.
“Making EVs a less attractive option in London for independent drivers and small business fleet owners has a far reaching knock-on effect. This decision threatens overall confidence in London as a global truly green city.
“Around half of Blacklane’s guests in London are travelling on business, where journeys in an EV are specifically prioritised by their company’s travel policy. Reducing the opportunity to do this risks London not keeping up with the net zero roadmap requirements of the world’s largest businesses.
“We urge transparency over how this additional revenue from EV owners will be spent. We look forward to positive collaboration and developments in support of London’s professional EV drivers and chauffeurs as a result of these changes, including improvements to the capital’s charging infrastructure.
“We continue to work with our industry colleagues as part of the Electric London coalition to champion electrification best practice and ensure London is a leader on the global transport stage.
“Blacklane does not charge a premium for a journey in an EV. There are no plans to change this.”
