Do Electric Cars Pay Congestion Charge?
Do Electric Cars Pay Congestion Charge?
Electric cars are becoming more popular in the UK every day as
the public continues to make more sustainable choices and lower their carbon
emissions.
The UK government has already announced numerous exemptions and benefits for those who drive an electric vehicle. There is a full road tax exemption for EV drivers and grants towards the electrical vehicle itself. But do drivers of EVs continue to pay the Congestion Charge?
Read on to get the ins and outs of congestion charge exemptions.
What Is Congestion Charge?
The Congestion Charge is a £15 daily charge given to drivers in London who drive within the Congestion Charge zone between 7 am and 6 pm Monday-Friday, or between 12 pm - 6 pm at the weekend and during the bank holidays.
It was enforced by London's first mayor, Ken Livingstone, in 2003 to reduce congestion in busy areas.
Has The Congestion Charge Worked?
Since the introduction of the charge in 2003, the congestion zones have seen a significant decrease in traffic. Reducing congestion has numerous environmental benefits, and it also helps keep public transport on time and makes the delivery of goods more efficient within London networks.Do Electric Cars Pay Congestion Charge?
The good news is that all fully-electric vehicles are currently exempt from the Congestion Charge. As they release no tailpipe emissions, the UK Government offers a 100% 'cleaner vehicles' discount on the charge for EVs. You can apply for the discount online.The bad news is that this discount will be discontinued as of the 25th of December 2025. From this date, all vehicle owners will need to pay to enter the Congestion Charge zone unless in receipt of another discount.
Ready To Switch To Electric?
There are lots of cost benefits to switching to an electric vehicle. They are cheaper to run than standard petrol or diesel engine vehicles, and with government grants and tax exemptions, they are becoming even more accessible.
There are over 400 public EV charging ports in London, making it easy to find power for your electric vehicle. Some ports (like the ones at supermarkets like Sainburys and Aldi) even offer completely free charging. You can make this charging process quick, simple, and cost-effective if you have the right charging cable.
Why Choose Smartly?
If you're switching to an electric car but aren't sure what to use, we will help you find the most effective way to charge your electric vehicle. We offer everything you need to get going with your new EV, such as:
● Chargers
● Charging Cables
● Mounting Posts
● Fault Detection Connection Units
All our cables are made in Britain, and all our products are sourced locally from Europe. We only deal in premium-grade products, and sustainability is at the core of what we do – meaning no energy is wasted when charging your electric vehicle.
You can use our vehicle selector to find your electric car's model, and it will provide you with the specifications you'll need to figure out your optimal charging times and accessories. You can also contact us for help and advice; we're always happy to guide you in the right direction.
