Some cars that are older than the introduction of emissions standards can still meet the requirements, but they need a certificate of compliance (CoC) from the manufacturer. To prove compliance, you must send a copy of the CoC and your V5 to Transport for London (TfL) to register your vehicle. Owners of certain Lotus Elise S1 models (produced from 1996-2001) have reported success with this method.
Electric cars are compliant because they do not produce tailpipe emissions.
How much does London’s ULEZ cost?
Driving a non-compliant car within the ULEZ costs £12.50 per day. The charging period runs from midnight to midnight. For example, if you enter the ULEZ at 10pm and leave at 6am, which covers two days within the zone due to the charging period, you will have to pay £25.00.
Recent media reports indicate that TfL has been sending warning letters and waiving fines for unpaid fees since the expansion. TfL’s chief customer and strategy officer, Alex Williams, stated that the letters suggest recipients should switch to a cleaner vehicle or register for automatic payments. The discretion period for fines will last for about four weeks from the 29th August expansion.
The template for these warning letters has previously been available online through freedom of information requests.
What is the ULEZ scrappage scheme?
All London residents can now apply for a £2000 payment from TfL by scrapping a car that does not comply with ULEZ standards.
To qualify for the scheme, you must live within one of the 32 London boroughs, have been the registered keeper of the vehicle since 30th January 2022 or earlier, and the vehicle must be insured, taxed, and have a valid MOT. You should provide copies of the V5 and a valid insurance certificate as evidence.
If your application is approved, you must scrap the vehicle at one of TfL’s approved treatment centers within a month. The treatment center will provide a certificate of destruction, which you must send a copy of to TfL as proof of scrappage. Do not scrap the car until TfL approves your application and instructs you to do so, as this may prevent you from receiving the payment.
UK clean air and low emissions zones have generated over £418 million in fees and penalty charges since March 2021, according to new research by PEUGEOT UK. The London Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) contributed the most to this income, accounting for £319,822,943 between October 2021 and April 2023. All net revenue generated by the ULEZ is required by law to be reinvested back into London’s transport network. With the expansion of the ULEZ to all London boroughs on August 29, eligible vehicle owners in these areas can apply for up to £2,000 for scrapping their car as part of a £110 million scrappage scheme. PEUGEOT is offering a new e-Grant that allows customers to save £3,000 on electric models, providing potential savings of up to £5,000 on a new electric vehicle.
The UK currently has 13 low emissions zones, clean air zones, and zero emissions zones. Nine of these zones charge non-compliant vehicles an entry fee, with penalty charge notices issued to drivers who fail to pay the daily charge. PEUGEOT’s research, based on Freedom of Information requests, revealed that eight zones have generated a total of £418,501,974 in income from motorists since March 2021 (data from Bristol Clean Air Zone was not provided). Each zone has different charging criteria, such as specific emissions standards for diesel and petrol vehicles. Some zones, like the Low Emissions Zones in Scotland, have a ban on vehicles that do not meet the emissions requirements, with no option to pay a fee to enter the zone.
In addition to generating income, revenue from clean air zones in the UK must be reinvested into local transport policies. For example, Birmingham City Council has invested over £52 million of net surplus revenues from its Clean Air Zone to fund a hydrogen bus trial, upgrade train stations, and improve cycling infrastructure. Bristol’s Clean Air Zone uses the surplus revenue to provide grants and loans to individuals and businesses for replacing vehicles that do not meet the zone’s emission standards.
PEUGEOT is already ahead in meeting the latest Euro 6 emissions standards for both petrol and diesel models, and the company offers electrified versions of all its models. By 2030, PEUGEOT plans to sell only fully electric vehicles in the UK to comply with future emissions standards. Adam Wood, Managing Director of PEUGEOT UK, emphasizes the importance of improving urban air quality and the company’s commitment to helping drivers avoid charges and reduce emissions by offering incentives like the e-Grant.
The tables provided in the article showcase the income generated by various clean air initiatives in different local authorities and the estimated annual costs for motorists entering non-compliant vehicles into the zones on a daily basis. It is important to note that the time periods for enforcement and fee structures vary among different zones.
If you don’t live in London, you might not think that the Ultra Low Emissions Zone (ULEZ) is something you should be concerned about. However, it can actually be good news if you’re looking for a great deal on a car.
The ULEZ is expanding to the outer border of the M25 on August 29th, which means that thousands more motorists will be charged to drive non-compliant cars. As a result, the market for these cars has been flooded, causing prices to drop significantly.
Now is the perfect time to buy a comfortable diesel for your daily commute, a small supermini for quick trips to the store, or even to invest in a potential future classic car.
Using these non-compliant cars outside of built-up areas should not make you feel guilty. The open air in the countryside dilutes the toxic NOx emissions to a level that is not a public health risk.
In addition, many of the diesel cars that don’t meet the NOx standards for the ULEZ actually emit less CO2 than their petrol counterparts. Since CO2 contributes to climate change rather than respiratory illnesses, a good diesel car is often a better choice for the environment.
Here is our selection of the best deals on non-ULEZ cars within a 25-mile radius of central London.
The best deals for non-ULEZ cars for motorway driving
Volkswagen Passat (2006-2010)
The sixth-generation Passat is a comfortable, refined, and spacious saloon that still holds its class almost 20 years later. We found a 2006 model with a 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine – capable of more than 50mpg on the motorway – and 72,000 miles on the odometer listed for sale at £1689.
Chrysler 300C (2005-2010)
This American car stands out from the rest: about 20% of the 300C was based on the 1996-2002 Mercedes-Benz E-Class, making it a reliable long-distance cruiser. You can get one with the Mercedes-sourced 3.0-litre diesel V6, with less than 100,000 miles on the clock, for just £2595.
Mercedes-Benz CLS (2004-2010)
You can get your hands on one of the world’s finest grand tourers for as little as £3200. We found one with the same V6 engine as the 300C, a full service history, and just two previous owners. With only 58,800 miles driven in 17 years, it still has plenty of life left.
The best deals on non-ULEZ small cars
Toyota Yaris (1999-2000)
If you need an affordable second car for quick trips to the store or for teaching a young driver, you can’t go wrong with the first-generation Yaris. We found a 1999 petrol model with only 65,000 miles on the odometer for just £995.
Electric crossovers are powered by batteries that emit zero harmful emissions or pollutants. These battery packs are specifically designed to allow for a spacious and comfortable cabin and excellent cargo space for families, making these crossovers perfect for daily commutes, as well as long drives, and weekend adventures. In addition, they have numerous benefits for the environment like significantly reducing carbon emissions and other pollutants that can harm the environment due to their zero-emission capabilities, making them very eco-friendly.
The recent massive shift towards electric vehicles has made several automakers launch electric crossovers to combat the growing demand. These electric crossovers also contribute significantly towards reducing noise pollution in addition to reducing emissions. The electric motors that power them are virtually silent, thereby significantly reducing noise levels in the vicinity. When you factor in the cost of ownership, you realize that although the initial cost of purchasing an electric crossover may be higher than a conventional vehicle, the long-term cost savings make it a more affordable option. Electric crossovers eliminate drivers’ worries about fuel costs. They are more efficient because they consume less energy. The absence of regular mechanical rotating parts that need routine maintenance means they have lower maintenance costs than traditional cars.
Its overall construction also contributes to the environment through lightweight materials such as aluminum, which reduce the amount of energy required to power it. Its electric drivetrain eliminates the need for frequent oil changes and reduces greenhouse gas emissions thereby also requiring less maintenance. A HEPA filtration system eliminates pollutants like pollen and bacteria from the cabin’s air for healthier air quality to help mitigate allergies or respiratory problems, and also significantly improve the overall environmental health.
9Ford Mustang Mach-E – 103 MPGe
Ford
Front end shot of a blue 2023 Ford Mustang Mach-E driving
The Ford Mustang Mach-E combines stylish and powerful with energy-efficient and eco-friendly in a sustainable option that has a range of over 300 miles on a full charge and can recharge up to 80 percent in just 45 minutes using its fast-charging capability. Its energy regenerative braking system converts the energy lost during braking into usable electricity, which is stored in the battery pack further emphasizing its 103 MPGe efficiency.
Ford Mustang Mach-E
Motor setup
Single-motor
Power output
266 hp
Total driving range
250 miles
Battery capacity
72 kWh
Combined EPA energy efficiency
103 MPGe
Charging speed
150 kW
Starting MSRP
$42,995
The Mach-E also maximizes energy efficiency through a mode that reduces power to non-essential systems, such as air conditioning and heating. It is also designed with sustainable materials which include the recycled materials the seats are made from while the vehicle itself is built using responsibly-sourced aluminum. Sustainable materials like recycled plastics and fabrics from recycled plastic bottles are incorporated into the entire production process.
Front three-quarters shot of a parked Nissan Ariya
The Nissan Ariya is an environmentally conscious vehicle, bringing together energy efficiency, and sustainability, with cutting-edge technology into the sleek and stylish design Nissan is known for. It’s one of the most energy-efficient vehicles in the world with a combined energy efficiency rating of 103 MPGe from the combination of its electric motors and sleek, aerodynamic design, into a clean and green machine that helps reduce air pollution and carbon emissions.
Nissan Ariya Specs
Motor setup
Single-motor
Power output
389 hp
Total driving range
304 miles
Battery capacity
87 kWh
Combined EPA energy efficiency
103 MPGe
Charging speed
130 kW
Starting MSRP
$43,190
This electric crossover has a range of over 300 miles on a full charge, making it ideal for long-distance commutes due to its long-range eliminating the need for frequent charging. It also enjoys its regenerative braking and eco-conscious driving modes, which further optimize energy efficiency. The interior of the vehicle is also formed from sustainable recycled plastic bottles and plant-based resins.
7Volkswagen ID.4 – 107 MPGe
Volkswagen
An action shot of a 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 driving
The Volkswagen ID.4 has an EPA-estimated range of up to 250 miles on a full charge and an energy efficiency rating of 107 MPGe. A fast charging station can charge the battery to 80 percent in 38 minutes. Manufactured using sustainable materials, including natural, renewable, and recycled materials, like recycled plastics and natural fibers, the ID.4 offers a sustainable and eco-friendly transportation option for drivers looking to reduce their carbon footprint.
Volkswagen ID.4 Specs
Motor setup
Single-motor
Power output
201 hp
Total driving range
250 miles
Battery capacity
77 kWh
Combined EPA energy efficiency
107 MPGe
Charging speed
125 kW
Starting MSRP
$38,995
Volkswagen minimizes waste and reduces the environmental impact of the vehicle during the entire production process. Its regenerative braking technology further reinforces its sustainability and energy efficiency, which converts the energy that should’ve been lost during braking into usable electricity and in turn, extends the vehicle’s range. With less energy wasted, there’s less need to recharge and in turn, less stress placed on the grid.
Side shot of a 2023 Kia Niro PHEV model in Cityscape Green
The Kia Niro EV has a range of up to 253 miles, courtesy of a 64-kWh battery capacity. According to the EPA, the Kia Niro Electric is rated to have a combined energy efficiency rating of 113 MPGe. It can be charged to 80 percent in about 30 minutes with a 100 kW fast charging station. The regenerative braking system of the Niro Electric makes it more energy-efficient.
Kia Niro Electric
Motor setup
Single-motor
Power output
201 hp
Total driving range
253 miles
Battery capacity
64 kWh
Combined EPA energy efficiency
113 MPGe
Charging speed
100 kW
Starting MSRP
$40,875
It has further advantages as its lightweight construction, aerodynamic design, and low rolling resistance tires also facilitate its impressive energy efficiency. Kia also ensures that Niro Electric is manufactured using eco-friendly materials like bio-based plastic, recycled plastics, and other sustainable materials. The end-of-life of the vehicle is also put into consideration with Kia making sure every aspect of it is easily recyclable, reducing the carbon footprint.
The automotive industry is faced with the challenge of reducing emissions and minimizing environmental impact in many regions around the world. For supercar manufacturers like Lamborghini, finding solutions to these challenges is crucial for entering new markets. In celebration of its 60th anniversary, Lamborghini unveiled its first plug-in hybrid flagship supercar, the Revuelto, capable of an impressive 1,001 horsepower. The grand opening of Lamborghini Oslo, which marks Lamborghini’s first showroom in Norway, showcased the Revuelto as the star of the event.
The opening of Lamborghini Oslo not only introduced the showroom to the local audience but also marked the debut of the Revuelto in Norway. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer Federico Foschini, Nils Tronrud, Chairman of XPND Auto Group (which operates the new showroom), and a select group of guests attended the event. Besides showcasing the Revuelto, the grand opening featured a performance by the Norwegian band Kickslip and DJ Boge. Additionally, a unique painting by Nicolay Aamodt, celebrating Lamborghini’s 60th anniversary, was presented, marking the beginning of an exciting era for Lamborghini in a new country.
