Top 10: Cars that are Congestion Charge free from April 2019
If you drive into the London Congestion Charge zone on a regular basis, buying a car that's exempt could save a fortune over the years. From April 2019, to be exempt from the charge a car must emit no more than 75g/km of CO2 and have a minimum zero-emission range of 20 miles.
>>See every car that's exempt here
Toyota Prius Plug-in
The Toyota Prius is a favourite with London's Uber drivers. While it's popular for its self-charging powertrain, it's only the plug-in model that's congestion charge exempt with its EV range of up to 39 miles. The downside? That'll be the £31,695 price tag...
Kia Niro PHEV
Like the Hyundai Ioniq, the Kia Niro is available as a plug-in hybrid, self-charging hybrid or fully electric. Also like the Ioniq, it's only the plug-in hybrid and electric models which are Congestion Charge exempt. Officially, it will cover 36 miles under electric power alone.
Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine
If you've got a large family, there aren't many plug-in hybrids that can genuinely carry seven people. The Volvo XC90 is one of them. It's also a very pleasant, luxurious SUV - while its 'twin engine' T8 produces 390PS, taking it to 62mph in a swift 5.6 seconds. It's the archetypal 'all the car you'd ever need.'
Audi e-tron
The Audi e-tron is an electric SUV set to convert any electric car sceptics. It has a range of around 250 miles, loads of space and plenty of technology to keep you entertained while sitting in London traffic, including fancy digital door mirrors.
Hyundai Ioniq PHEV
The Hyundai Ioniq is unusual in that it can be bought as a hybrid, plug-in hybrid or electric model. While the standard hybrid doesn't qualify for Congestion Charge exemption, the electric and plug-in hybrid versions do. The latter will cover 32 miles under electric power alone.
Smart EQ Fortwo
If you're looking for an urban runaround, you could do a lot worse than the Smart EQ Fortwo. It's a two-seater with a tiny boot, but it's good fun for darting around in the city. The four-seat Forfour is also congestion charge exempt, if you do need more space.
Range Rover Sport PHEV
Driving a Range Rover Sport and not paying the Congestion Charge feels like you're sticking two fingers up at the man. It meets all the rules, however, with CO2 emissions as low as 71g/km and electric range of 30 miles. It also has 404PS and hits 62mph in 6.3 seconds... it's not exactly a G-Wiz.
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV
The Outlander PHEV has been a huge success for Mitsubishi, with buyers loving its combination of practicality and affordable running costs. There's no seven-seat version, sadly, but there's plenty of luggage space for trips away. It's an excellent alternative to a diesel SUV, provided you can charge it regularly.
Nissan Leaf
If you're looking for an electric car, it's likely that the Nissan Leaf will be on your shortlist. One clever feature is its e-pedal, which lets you drive in traffic without having to use the brake pedal. Perfect for negotiating the capital's congested streets.
BMW 225xe Active Tourer
The BMW 225xe Active Tourer combines a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor. It's a plug-in hybrid, so can theoretically return amazing fuel economy - provided you charge it regularly. It's a very relaxing drive and can travel under electric power alone for 28 miles.
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