New research by Citroen has highlighted 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.
The analysis of Transport for London data revealed that 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.
Research by Citroën UK also revealed that Transport for London collected over £17 million in business payments for use of the Congestion Charge Zone solely between October 2019 and September 2020
However, businesses switching to 100% 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.
The ë-Dispatch is available with either a 50kWh or a 75kWh battery pack and has an impressive range of up to 205 miles on a single charge. The all-electric vehicle supports up to 100kW rapid charging and an 80% charge can be completed in just 30 minutes.
Similarly, the new ë-C4 features a 50kWh battery and a 100kW (136hp) electric motor and has a range of up to 217 miles. This EV also supports up to 100kW rapid charging with an 80% charge taking in 30 minutes.
The ë-Dispatch is available to order with a choice of three trim levels and three lengths, with a basic price from £25,053 after the Government's Plug-in Van Grant. The new ë-C4 starts from just £29,180 after the current Plug-in Car Grant, with the model available in ‘Sense Plus', ‘Shine' and ‘Shine Plus' trim levels.
These all-electric options can help businesses save money and take advantage of various benefits, according to Eurig Druce, Managing Director of Citroën UK.
“Not only do they suit a variety of driving conditions, their zero emissions capability results in no Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) payments,” he said. “As our latest research shows, businesses also stand to make significant savings in other areas, including Congestion Charge Zone payments.”