London Congestion Charge now applies to electric private hire vehicles
- Perry Richardson
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 2 hours ago
Electric private hire vehicles are now required to pay the London Congestion Charge after the expiry of the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, marking a significant cost change for drivers working in central London who must now cover the extra cost.
As of Friday 2 January 2026, the 100 percent Cleaner Vehicle Discount has ceased. As a result, electric private hire vehicles (PHV) entering the Congestion Charge zone during operational hours are liable for the daily charge, bringing EV PHVs into line with most other vehicle types.
The Congestion Charge applies between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday, and from Midday to 6pm on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. Drivers must pay £18 if the charge is settled on the day of travel or in advance. Payment within three days after travel rises to £21.
A reduced rate is available for electric vehicles through a newly introduced 25 percent Cleaner Vehicle Discount, but only for vehicles registered on Auto Pay. This reduces the daily charge to £13.50. The discount does not apply to electric vehicles that are not enrolled in Auto Pay, regardless of emissions status.
Cleaner Vehicle Discount ends as TfL introduces daily charges for EV PHVs from 2 January
According to Transport for London (TfL), drivers must hold a London Road User Charging account and register for Auto Pay for the discount to be applied automatically. Vehicles must also be correctly added to the Auto Pay account. TfL has confirmed there is no separate application process for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount and no fee to set up or manage Auto Pay.
Private hire wheelchair-accessible vehicles retain their exemption from the Congestion Charge, but only when actively undertaking a booking for a TfL-licensed private hire operator. WAV status is determined at vehicle licensing inspection and recorded on the vehicle licence. Vehicles not carrying out a private hire journey do not qualify for the exemption.
Licensed hackney carriage taxis remain fully exempt from the Congestion Charge while actively licensed by TfL. Exemption status is automatically removed if a licence is surrendered, expires or is revoked, maintaining the long-standing policy distinction between taxis and private hire vehicles in London.
The change is expected to increase operating costs for electric private hire drivers and fleet operators, particularly those working regular daytime hours in central London. It also narrows the financial advantage previously associated with electric PHVs, at a time when many operators have invested heavily in zero-emission vehicles to meet TfL licensing requirements and environmental targets.
