The Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) is a vital step towards cleaner air and healthier lives in London. Introduced to reduce harmful vehicle emissions, it encourages drivers to use low-emission or electric vehicles by applying a daily charge to those that don’t meet strict environmental standards.

As of 2025, vehicles that do not meet the required ULEZ emissions standards must pay a daily charge of £12.50, including most cars and vans. This charge applies 24/7, except Christmas day.  

To encourage the shift to electric mobility, Mercedes-Benz’s fully electric vehicles remain exempt from ULEZ charges. For van drivers and fleet operators, this makes switching to electric not just a cleaner option, but a cost-saving one too. 

You can find more information about pricing on the official TfL website.

Initially, the ULEZ zone covered the same area as London’s Congestion Charge Zone, including central locations like St Pancreas, Shoreditch, Vauxhall and Mayfair.

Since 25th October 2021, the ULEZ zone has expanded to include areas within the North and South Circular roads. As of 29th August 2023, it was extended again to cover nearly all areas within the M25, impacting boroughs like Newham, Lewisham, Haringey and Brent.

This wide-reaching expansion is part of London’s vision to become a greener, healthier city, making cleaner air a reality for all who live, work or drive here. For businesses, it’s a clear sign that low-emission travel is no longer optional, it’s essential.

To keep your business moving smoothly in London, it’s important to know which vehicles meet ULEZ requirements. The scheme applies to cars, vans, motorcycles, minibuses and HGVs that don't meet emissions standards. Diesel vehicles in particular face stricter limits, encouraging a shift toward cleaner technology.

Vehicles must meet the following criteria to avoid the daily charge:

·       Diesel vehicles: Euro 6 standard (Typically registered after September 2015)

·       Petrol Vehicles: Euro 4 standard (Typically registered after 2006)

All our Mercedes-Benz electric vehicles are fully exempt from ULEZ charges. This makes electric mobility not only a smart environmental choice, but also a cost-effective solution for urban driving.

By upgrading to one of our compliant or electric vehicles, you’ll avoid charges, reduce your carbon footprint and ensure your fleet is future-ready.

Vans must meet the Euro 6 standard for diesel or Euro 4 for petrol to avoid ULEZ charges. Fully electric vans are automatically exempt. Vans that meet the Euro 6 (diesel) or Euro 4 (petrol) emissions standards are fully exempt from ULEZ charges, helping you reduce costs and operate more sustainably. All new Mercedes-Benz vans, including our diesel models, meet Euro 6 standards and are ULEZ- compliant, giving you peace of mind when driving in and around London. 

Heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and vans over 3.5 tonnes are subject to different regulations and are not required to pay the ULEZ charge, though other compliance rules may apply.

Wondering if your vehicle is exempt from ULEZ charges? It’s easy to find out—simply visit the official Transport for London (TfL) ULEZ checker and enter your vehicle registration number. This quick step helps you stay informed and avoid unexpected fees.

Exemptions include fully electric vehicles and those registered under the ‘disabled’ or ‘disabled passenger vehicles’ tax class, which remain exempt until 24 October 2027, provided their tax class doesn’t change.

At Mercedes-Benz Vans, we’re committed to helping your business stay compliant and efficient with our range of ULEZ-friendly vehicles. For peace of mind, always double-check your vehicle’s status with TfL before driving in London. 

Paying your ULEZ charge couldn’t be easier. You can choose to pay online via the official TfL website, use the convenient TfL Pay to Drive app (available on iOS and Android), or make a payment by phone.

For ultimate peace of mind, we recommend setting up Auto Pay—this ensures your charges are automatically deducted, so you’ll never miss a payment or risk a fine. There are also pre-pay options available if you prefer to plan ahead.

The £160 million ULEZ Scrappage Scheme is designed to support Londoners and businesses in making the switch to cleaner, greener vehicles—helping you upgrade with ease and confidence.

This generous programme offers financial assistance to low-income residents, disabled drivers, small businesses, sole traders, charities, and micro-fleet owners. Depending on your eligibility, you could receive grants that cover part of the cost of a ULEZ-compliant vehicle, including electric vans.

By taking advantage of this scheme, you can reduce your operating costs, stay fully compliant, and contribute to a healthier London. For the latest details, visit TfL’s Scrappage Scheme page.

Mercedes-Benz offers a range of ULEZ-compliant diesel vans as well as a range of electric vans that are not only exempt from charges but are also designed to boost efficiency and sustainability for  businesses. 

 All information is correct at time of going to press – August 2025. Please note, Government grants and schemes and electricity prices can quickly change. Whilst every effort has been made to keep the page content as up to date and accurate as possible, please refer to the relevant Government sites for the latest information. Or speak to your preferred authorised Mercedes-Benz Dealer.