More incoherence in green policies as more barriers erected to electrification of transport.

The Congestion Charge will now apply to EVs in London from today, and even with a 25 per cent discount the cost will be £13.50 a day. Previously EVs benefitted from 100 per cent discount.

TfL describe the discount “incentivising the important switch to electric vehicles” but it is hard to see it as a positive move against a backdrop of slowing adoption and fears of flatling (see EY report).

Electric good vehicles will be offered a 50 per cent discount, and all discounted charges are only available on Auto Pay schemes.

TfL has also made it clear that “As the eligible vehicle numbers are expected to grow over time the discount level will reduce”. The authority reasons that without the changes, more than 2,000 additional vehicles could be on the roads, undermining the benefits of the Congestion Charge. Although revenue collection could also be a factor.

Future changes are expected from 4 March 2030 halving the EV discount to 12.5 per cent and 25 per cent for electric vans, HGVs and quadricycles on Auto Pay.

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