If you drive an EV in London for Uber, Bolt, or any PHV work, you’ve probably heard the news: from January 2026, electric cars will no longer be fully exempt from the Congestion Charge. For years, many PCO drivers saw “go electric” as a simple way to avoid both the ULEZ and Congestion Charge. That deal is going to change now.
In this guide, we’ll break down what’s changing, how it affects PCO drivers, and how to plan your next PCO car with Zoom PCO Hire so you’re ready for 2026 and beyond.
Congestion Charge vs ULEZ – Know the Difference
Before talking about EV changes, it’s important to separate the two different charges:
Congestion Charge (CC)
- Aims to reduce traffic in central London
- Currently £15 per day (rising to £18 from January 2026)
- Applies to almost all vehicles, including compliant ones, during chargeable hours
ULEZ (Ultra Low Emission Zone)
- Aims to reduce air pollution across a much wider area
- £12.50 per day for older petrol and diesel vehicles that do not meet standards
- Electric cars remain fully exempt from ULEZ even after 2026
So, after 2026, EVs still avoid ULEZ, but they will pay (a reduced) Congestion Charge when entering the central zone.
What Exactly Is Changing for EVs in 2025–2026?
Here’s the key timeline:
Up to 25 December 2025
- EVs registered for the Cleaner Vehicle Discount (CVD) pay £0 Congestion Charge.
25 December 2025
- The current 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount ends. EVs lose their full exemption.
From 2026, EVs still pay less than diesel and petrol, but no longer pay nothing.
What This Means for PCO Drivers Using EVs
Let’s look at some simple example numbers for a PCO driver who works regularly in the Congestion Charge zone.
Example 1: Working in the zone 5 days a week
2025 (with full EV discount)
- Congestion Charge for an EV: £0 per day
From 2026 (EV on Auto Pay)
- EV pays £13.50 per day
- 5 days a week = 5 × £13.50 = £67.50 per week
- Over roughly 48 working weeks = about £3,240 per year
For many full-time central London EV PCO drivers, this is a new, serious cost that needs planning.
How Zoom PCO Hire Can Help You Decide on Your Next PCO Car in 2026
At Zoom PCO Hire, we know all of this can feel confusing. EVs, Congestion Charge changes, ULEZ, ZEC rules, it’s a lot to think about while you’re trying to earn a living. Our job is to help you pick a car that fits your shifts, your budget, and your plans, not just put you in whatever is available.
With Zoom PCO Hire, you can:
- Explore EV and non-EV PCO car hire and rent to buy options across England
- Choose from popular PCO models suited for Uber, Bolt, and other PHV platforms
- Get advice from a team that understands real driver worries like fuel costs, ULEZ rules, charging access, and long shifts
Frequently Asked Questions about Congestion Charge Changes for EV PCO Drivers
Will my EV still pay £0 Congestion Charge after 2025?
No. The 100% Cleaner Vehicle Discount ends on 25 December 2025. From 2 January 2026, EV cars will pay £13.50 per day (25% discount on the £18 charge) if registered for Auto Pay.
Do PHV or Uber drivers get any extra discount?
No special Congestion Charge discount exists just because you are a PHV or ride-hail driver. Your EV can still get the new Cleaner Vehicle Discount if it meets the criteria and is registered, but you pay the same EV rate as other drivers.
Will EVs still be exempt from ULEZ?
Yes. The announced changes are about the Congestion Charge, not ULEZ. Electric vehicles remain fully exempt from ULEZ charges. In contrast, older petrol and diesel vehicles still pay £12.50 per day if they do not meet standards.
Is it still worth going electric if I work in central London?
For many PCO drivers, yes, but the maths has changed. You now need to factor in:
- £13.50 per day Congestion Charge (from 2026)
- Savings on energy compared with diesel
- Continued ULEZ exemption
- Future PHV licensing rules pushing towards ZEC/EV
If you do many hours in the zone and have good charging access, an EV can still work well, but it’s no longer a “free” option for CC.
Should I delay switching to an EV because of these changes?
Not necessarily. Delaying might mean:
- Higher fuel and ULEZ costs if you stay in an older diesel car
- A car that may not meet future PHV or zone rules
What makes sense depends on your mileage, your area, and your charging. This is exactly where Zoom PCO Hire can help you run through the options and numbers before you commit.
