LEZ (low emission zones), ULEZ (ultra-low emission zones), and congestion zones. What do they actually mean?
Basically, they’re all pretty much the same, areas of the country that you might be charged for driving through. All put in place to reduce the build-up of traffic and improve air quality and, usually in big cities (e.g. Birmingham, Glasgow, Bristol, and London).
Is my EV exempt from ULEZ and LEZ charges?
The good news is that with your EV you should be exempt from ULEZ and LEZ charges as you wont create any tailpipe emissions. Though, as time goes on you might find that councils with congestion zones rather than low emission zones will reduce the incentives that EVs get. If you live in, or near, an ULEZ or a LEZ you can get in touch with your local council to check if your car is exempt. Most EVs are automatically exempt, but we’d hate you to be caught out.
It’s also best to triple-check when travelling. In France for example, the French authorities need you to display a sticker called a Crit Aire in some regions and cities to show you’re exempt.
Is my EV exempt from the London Congestion charge?
Right now your EV currently doesn’t have to pay to enter the London Congestion Zone. However, you do need to register (charged at £10 per vehicle) to make sure you’re exempt.
You can check the areas covered by the congestion charge on the TfL website.
Electric vehicles will be exempt from the London Congestion Charge until on December 25, 2025, when this 100% discount is valid until.
Beginning January 2, 2026, a new discount structure will be implemented, with electric cars receiving a 25% discount. Drivers should set up an auto pay account with TfL to avoid unexpected fines and get 25% discount on congestion charge for EV drivers.
How can I apply for an exemption from the Congestion charge?
Applying for an exemption from the Congestion charge is easy. All you need is a copy of your V5C. Then head over to the TfL website.
If you don’t have your V5C and are a salary sacrifice customer, you can request a copy of your V5C summary by either emailing us or phoning us on 020 3389 5959.
Is my EV exempt from the Dart Charge?
In short, no. The Dart Charge has nothing to do with congestion and is the charge to use Dartford Crossing. If you use the Dartford Crossing, you need to pay the fee by midnight of the day after you make the crossing.
You can set up a dart charge account to have this automatically deducted, but please note this is different to a TfL Auto pay account
How can I pay the Dart Charge?
The easiest way to pay is to register for an account to make payments online when you make the crossing.
If you don’t register, and you have an Octopus EV salary sacrifice lease, we get your Dart Charges manually through the post and we'll transfer them over to you as soon as we have them.