For electric or plug-in hybrid cars and vans, the Congestion Charge is discounted by 100%. However, you must apply in advance.
If you lease your vehicle, it is your responsibility as a vehicle keeper to apply for the Congestion Charge exemption - this is not something we can do for you.
The below short guide explains how you can register your electric vehicle for the Congestion Charge Zone exemption, including leased cars and vans.
How to apply for a Congestion Charge exemption for your electric vehicle?
The discount can be obtained online by setting up a London Road User Charging account.
An account allows you to:
- Renew your discount online and manage it easily
- Pay the Congestion Charge at a lower rate by setting up CC Auto Pay for up to five vehicles
- Give up to five people access to your London Road User Charging account
- Apply for Fleet Auto Pay, an automated payment option for fleets with six or more vehicles
- Store your contact and vehicle information to speed up payments
You can sign up for London road user charging account here.
Documents required when applying for an EV Congestion Charge exemption
To prove your eligibility, you must provide the following:
- DVLA V5C vehicle registration certificate (log book)
- Unless you are registering the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, you will also need to provide a conformity certificate if your vehicle is a 'plug-in hybrid'
These documents can be uploaded as part of your online application or sent later via postal mail or email.
How to register a leased vehicle for the Congestion Charge exemption without a logbook?
You don't normally have the V5C document when you lease a vehicle because the funder keeps it. Leased vehicles are still eligible for Congestion Charge exemption, though.
We contacted Transport for London and they confirmed that a lease agreement can be used instead of the V5C. Furthermore, you can register your leased electric vehicle for Congestion Charge Zone exemption as soon as it is delivered to you. You don't have to wait for the log book to arrive, which can take up to three weeks.
How much is the registration fee for the Congestion Charge exemption for an electric car or van?
Registering each electric vehicle for the Congestion Charge discount or exemption costs £10 and must be renewed annually.
You should continue to pay the daily Congestion Charge for travel within the charging zone until you receive confirmation that your application has been approved. You should receive your exemption confirmation within 10 working days. There will be penalties for not paying during this period.
Renew your Congestion Charge discount
A notification will be sent to you when your discount is about to expire. The Congestion Charge discount can be renewed online once you receive the notification.
If you drive in London, this information should help you avoid unnecessary fees and charges. However, please do not hesitate to contact us if you need more info.
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