Motorists who drive plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles into central London are no longer exempt from the £15 daily Congestion Charge as Transport for London tightens up eligibility.
Previously, PHEVs emitting no more than 75g/km CO2 qualified for a 100 percent ‘cleaner vehicle discount’ (formerly called the Ultra Low Emission Discount, or ULED).
From 25 October 2021, only pure zero emissions cars – those emitting 0g/km CO2 – qualify for the cleaner vehicle discount.
This restricts it to battery electric or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. PHEVs, even those driven entirely on electric power within the Congestion Charge zone, will now have to pay up.
TfL is also signalling the end of the cleaner vehicle discount entirely. From 25 December 2025, the discount for EVs and fuel cell cars will be discontinued.
“From this date, all vehicle owners, unless in receipt of another discount or exemption, will need to pay to enter the Congestion Charge zone during charging hours.”
Congestion Charge clampdown
Many motorists who regularly commute into central London had chosen a plug-in hybrid as a way to escape paying the charge.
The Congestion Charge zone is around 13 square miles in size, which would allow many modern PHEVs to travel in and out on electric power without fully depleting the batteries.
Extra impetus for this came in June 2020 when TfL ‘temporarily’ raised the daily Congestion Charge fee from £11.50 to £15.
Operating hours were extended from 6pm to 10pm – and the Congestion Charge also became operational on weekends.
Previously, it was only a weekday charge.
In November 2020, the temporary price hike and other changes were made permanent.
Now, the Congestion Charge is lifted only on one day per year: Christmas Day.
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