EV switch could save fleets £17 million a year

New research by Citroën UK has argued that fleet and business vehicle operators could save more than £17 million a year in London Congestion Charge Zone payments by switching to electric or plug-in hybrid cars and vans.

Analysis of Transport for London data revealed that, despite a freeze in payments last year due to the coronavirus pandemic - businesses still spent more than £1.4 million per month to enter and operate in central London.

Entry to the Congestion Charge Zone in London is free for all vehicles that meet the current Euro 6 emissions criteria, emit less than 75g/km of CO2 and have a minimum 20-mile zero emissions range.

Citroën UK says that Transport for London collected £17,422,351 in business payments for use of the Congestion Charge Zone between October 2019 and September 2020. In contrast, businesses switching to 100 per cent electric vehicles, such as the Citroën ë-Dispatch van and the New ë-C4 compact family hatchback, enjoy free access to the Congestion Charge Zone.

Eurig Druce, managing director of Citroën UK, said: “Electric vehicles such as New ë-C4 and ë-Dispatch van are ideal for business and fleet users. Not only do they suit a variety of driving conditions, their zero emissions capability results in no Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) payments. As our latest research shows, businesses also stand to make significant savings in other areas – including Congestion Charge Zone payments.”

Until 25 October 2021, Citroën's new C5 Aircross SUV Hybrid will also be eligible for free entry into the London Congestion Charge Zone - thanks to CO2 emissions as low as 32g/km and its zero-emissions range of up to 34 miles.