Preserve the EV Discount for London's Essential Drivers
Stand with hospital staff, teachers, delivery drivers, private hire drivers, and all essential workers who invested in electric vehicles to support London's clean air goals.
From December 25, 2025, the current 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount for electric vehicles (EVs) in London's Congestion Charge zone will be abolished. This means EV drivers will face the full daily charge, currently £15 and proposed to rise to £18, just like petrol and diesel vehicles. While new proposals offer partial discounts (25% for cars and 50% for commercial vehicles, diminishing over time), these are insufficient for individuals who have invested in EVs for environmental and financial reasons, and especially for essential workers who rely on their vehicles after making in many cases a sacrifice to stay on the road.
The Problem
Undermining London's Green Ambitions
Broken Promise
Essential workers invested in EVs based on the expectation of ongoing incentives. Penalizing them now is a betrayal of London's commitment to a greener future.
Penalizing Workers
Staff working vital, often unsocial hours in health, education, and transport sectors frequently have no practical alternative to driving.
Unsustainable Costs
Even with a 25% proposed discount, daily charges will add hundreds or even thousands of pounds annually, eroding the financial benefits of EV ownership.
Threat to Clean Air
Discouraging EV adoption risks pushing drivers back to petrol and diesel vehicles, increasing congestion and pollution.
Our Demands
We call on the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) to:
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1
Reinstate the 100% Discount
This includes school, hospital, and airport staff, private hire drivers, and those who work unsocial hours.
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2
Honor Commitments to EV Investors
Ensure that drivers who bought EVs to support London's clean air ambitions are not financially penalized.
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3
Provide Clear Long-Term Policies
Drivers need transparent guidance to plan their investments and avoid sudden, detrimental financial shocks.
The Facts: Why This Matters
Expiration Date
The 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount will end on December 25, 2025. After this, eligible vehicles will no longer be exempt from charges.
Insufficient Relief
A proposed 25% discount still means EV drivers pay £13.50 daily (potentially rising to £18), a significant burden for regular commuters.
ULEZ vs. Congestion
While EVs remain exempt from ULEZ charges, this campaign focuses on the separate and critical issue of the Congestion Charge.
Private Hire Drivers Hit Hardest
Private hire drivers face reduced fares and long hours, despite investing heavily in EVs.
Current and Proposed EV Discounts:
| Group | Current (2025) | Proposed (2026) | Proposed (2030) | Campaign Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electric Cars | 100% | 25% | 12.5% | 100% for Essential Workers |
| Electric Vans/HGVs | 100% | 50% | 12.5% | 100% (Couriers especially) |
| Electric Vans/HGVs | 100% | 50% | 12.5% | 100% |
Have Your Say: Latest Comments
“No encouragement to stay electric”
Marc commented 5 days, 9 hours ago
“Yet another stealth tax at the expense of the driver. Whilst the cost of living has risen considerably, the monies received from Uber et has dropped at an alarming rate. these large companies make their millions off the back of us drivers.”
Anil commented 5 days, 10 hours ago
“Charging PHV`s to use the central london area when previously drivers were encouraged to invest in electric vehicles makes a mockery of those who try to drive clean ,safe vehicles .”
Adrian commented 5 days, 10 hours ago