Mayor Sadiq Khan has warned that electric vehicles (EVs) will no longer be exempt from London's Congestion Chargein 2026. Previously, EVs benefited from the Cleaner Vehicle Discount, but they will now incur charges as part of a broader scheme to reduce the number of vehicles in the city centre.

Transport for London has revealed that January 2 is the exact date that many changes will come into effect. From then, drivers of electric vans and lorries will receive a 50% discount when entering the zone, while those driving electric cars will get a 25% discount.

This means that electric vehicle drivers will have to cough up a £13.50 charge to enter the zone, whilst electric van owners will be hit with a £9 fee. The BBC's Top Gear has put the number of vehicles that have been registered for the discount at 112,000.

• UK snow: 50-mile 'rare' weather phenomenon sparked by -3C Arctic blast during snowfall


• Elderly couple who jumped to deaths together left chilling 'marker' at clifftop

However, by March 2030, these discounts will be further reduced to 25% for electric vans and lorries, and 12.5% for electric cars. Meanwhile, the standard Congestion Charge for non-electric vehicles will increase from £15 to £18 from January 2, marking the first rise since 2020.

Residents living within the zone can look forward to reductions of up to 90%. However, those relocating into the zone after March 1, 2027, won't receive a discount unless they drive an electric vehicle.

Discounts of up to 100% will continue to support low-income and disabled Londoners. According to the Mirror, Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, said previously: "Keeping London moving by reducing congestion is vital for our city and for our economy.

"While the congestion charge has been a huge success since its introduction, we must ensure it stays fit for purpose, and sticking to the status quo would see around 2,200 more vehicles using the congestion charging zone on an average weekday next year.

"We must support Londoners and businesses to use more sustainable travel, so I'm pleased that substantial incentives will remain in place for Londoners who switch to cleaner vehicles, as we work to build a greener and better London for everyone."

Christina Calderato, TfL's Director of Strategy, added: "If we want to ensure that London remains a thriving city for everyone to enjoy, then it's vital that traffic and congestion is kept under control and managed effectively.

"The changes to the Congestion Charging scheme play a key role in allowing us to do that, while striking a careful balance that enables drivers, businesses and other organisations to continue transitioning to cleaner vehicles and more sustainable forms of transport."

Within Transport for London's press announcement, Izzy Romilly, Sustainable Transport Manager at climate charity Possible, also said: "Tying the Congestion Charge to public transport fares is welcome. It's only right to make sure that public transport doesn't get disproportionately more expensive than driving. We're also pleased to see new support for electric car clubs.

"We need to cut traffic and invest in accessible and affordable public transport, and make sure Londoners can walk, wheel and cycle safely. This will put us on the path to a healthier, fairer London - reducing air pollution and making the city safer for everyone."

Get all the hottest shopping deals, cash-saving tips and money news straight to your phone by joining our new WhatsApp Community - The Money Saving Club. Just click this link to join https://crnch.it/eutplxS1

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice here https://crnch.it/jeQqC872