EV Congestion Charge: What PCO drivers need to know

If you’re a PCO driver operating an electric vehicle (EV) in London, there are important changes coming to the TfL daily Congestion Charge that you should be aware of.

Until now, electric vehicles have been able to drive into central London without paying the Congestion Charge. The electric cars exemption is ending, and new rules will apply from 2 January 2026.

Below is a clear breakdown of what’s changing, when it’s happening, and how you as PCO drivers can reduce your costs.

How is the Congestion Charge changing for EVs?

Currently, electric vehicles receive a 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount, meaning no Congestion Charge is paid when driving in central London.

• This full exemption ends on 25 December 2025.
• From 2 January 2026, EVs will no longer be fully exempt.

Instead, electric vehicles will move onto a new Cleaner Vehicle Discount. While EVs will now pay the Congestion Charge, the Mayor of London has confirmed that greener vehicles will still pay less than hybrid, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), petrol or diesel cars.

How much will EV PCO drivers pay for Congestion Charge from 2026?

From January 2026:

• The standard Congestion Charge will be £18 per day (up from £15).
• Electric car drivers will receive a 25% discount only if Auto Pay is set up. This reduces the daily charge for Electric cars to £13.50.
• Electric vans receive a 50% discount via Auto Pay.
• If Auto Pay is not set up, EV drivers will pay the full £18.

​Otto Car drivers 

If you’re driving with Otto Car and have the Otto Car Auto Pay set up, your Congestion Charge will be tracked and paid automatically, so you don’t need to register separately with TfL. We handle the admin for you, so you don’t need to register separately with TfL or worry about missing payments.
Where is the Congestion Charge zone?

Why this matters for PCO drivers

​Many PCO drivers switched to electric vehicles expecting lower running costs, including savings on fuel, road tax, and the Congestion Charge.
 
While EVs are still cheaper to run overall, the Congestion Charge will now be a regular cost for drivers working in central London. Setting up Auto Pay is the easiest way to make sure you pay the lowest rate and avoid unnecessary charges. Petrol, diesel, and most hybrid vehicles are not eligible for any discounts, so even with these changes, EVs remain the more cost-effective option.

Some plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) may qualify for the discount, but this depends on emissions levels and should be checked directly with TfL.

Congestion Charge hours (important reminder):

You’ll be charged if you drive within the congestion charging zone during the following times:

• Monday-Friday: 7:00am - 6:00pm
• Weekends (Saturday-Sunday) & bank holidays: 12:00pm - 6:00pm
• No charge: Christmas Day - New Year’s Day 

If you enter the Congestion Charge zone during these hours, you’ll be charged once per day, even if you enter multiple times.
 

How to reduce your Congestion Charge costs

• Set up Auto Pay - If TfL has your correct vehicle details and Auto Pay is active, the Cleaner Vehicle Discount will be applied automatically.
• Plan trips carefully - Where possible, avoid entering the zone during charging hours if demand is likely to be low.

Quick summary for EV PCO drivers

• All electric vehicles will pay the Congestion Charge from 2 January 2026
• EVs get a 25% discount (£13.50 per day) with Auto Pay
• The standard daily charge increases to £18
• Without Auto Pay, no discount applies to your electric car
• Otto Car drivers have their Congestion Charge tracked and paid automatically (if Auto Pay is set up) with Otto Car.

How we support our community of PCO drivers

​We know industry changes can feel unsettling, but we’re here to support our drivers every mile of the journey. If you have questions about the upcoming changes, want to check your Auto Pay set-up, or are considering switching to an electric vehicle, our team is ready to help.

We’ve supported over 20,000 drivers across the UK on their journey to success, including many who have made the switch to electric. Electric vehicles remain the future of driving in London, and we offer a wide range of EVs available to rent or own - helping you stay safe, reduce your running costs, and drive with confidence.

Explore our range of electric cars through our Rent to Buy and PCO Car Hire plans and get on the road and earning.