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The Ultra Low Emission Zone, a scheme introduced in London by the major in 2019, is an initiative designed to reduce the amount of pollution produced in the capital. After just a few years of being in place, the scheme has reduced harmful pollution in certain areas by over 40%, making the capital a much safer place to live and breathe.
With that said, the ULEZ has made driving in London a lot more complex and a bit more of a hassle, especially if you don’t have the right kind of vehicle. Here’s a complete Car Adviser guide to the ULEZ and a list of the best cars to own to help you navigate this awkward additional charge.
In London, there is an area within central London where certain vehicles are charged to drive through. This charge was implemented to deter drivers from entering the area and to also incentives drivers to swap to more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly vehicles so that the air quality in these areas improves.
ULEZ operates 24 hours a day every day of the week and is only not in effect during Christmas day. This means that if you drive in a ULEZ area at 3am or 3pm in the wrong kind of vehicle, you’ll still be charged a fee.
The fee you get is daily, meaning that if you enter the ULEZ once in 24 hours or multiple times in that time frame, you’ll still get charged the same. Plus, even if a tiny part of your journey enters a ULEZ, you’ll still get fined a charged for entering.
The daily fee for a ULEZ charge is £12.50 if your car doesn’t meet the requirements. This is for most vehicles, including cars, motorcycles and even some specialist vehicles. Although £12.50 doesn’t seem that large, it can start to add up if you’re entering the Ultra Low Emission Zone daily. In fact, if you live within the ULEZ and need to drive to work every day, you could be paying an extra £3,000 a year for these charges.
If you’re entering a ULEZ area in a large truck to deliver goods or in a coach that isn’t exempt, the fees you’ll have to pay will be even larger. You could have to pay £100 a day for these specialist vehicles. This is why you don’t find as many larger vehicles in ULEZs.
The only way to avoid getting a ULEZ charge is to enter this zone with a exempt, modern vehicle. That’s because these vehicles typically emit low emissions. Driving a hybrid or electric car will also avoid paying a ULEZ charge.
What determines if your car is ULEZ exempt is the Euro Emission Standards. These are a set of six tiers of different emission volumes that go from level 1 to level 6. If your vehicle is in level 1, it emits a lot of pollution and will likely be charged when entering a ULEZ area. In contrast, a level 6 means that your car produces very little or no emissions.
Currently, for your car to be ULEZ exempt, it needs to meet the Euro Level 6 threshold if you’re driving a diesel car. If you have a petrol car, it must be Euro Level 4. Most cars that have been registered after 2005 will likely pass these standards, but some may not, so it’s important to check the status of your vehicle.
If you’re driving a motorbike, it needs to meet at least Level 3 on the Euro Emission standards for it to not be charged.
Currently, Transport for London, the government body that manages the ULEZ, makes around £80million a year on the charges. With that said, ULEZ is not run for profit, and the money made is often put back into improving the transport system within London.
It’s in everyone’s best interest to upgrade to a car that produces the lowest amount of emissions as possible. Not only will this help protect the environment and make the UK a cleaner place to live and breathe, but getting a ULEZ exempt car can save you from a lot of hassle.
Currently, the biggest reason for getting a ULEZ exempt car is that without one, visiting London can be very expensive, especially if you’re going to be entering central London often. Over a year, a person commuting into London daily will save over £3,000 if they get a ULEZ exempt car. This can be a considerable saving.
Plus, many other locations are soon to adopt their own low emission scheme in the near future, meaning that it may be beneficial to get a low emission car to safeguard you from these changes as well.
Another big reason to upgrade to a low-emission car, or even one that is hybrid or electric, is because the rules are soon to change regarding what cars you’re allowed to drive. Soon, petrol and diesel cars will be illegal to buy new, meaning that upgrading to a exempt vehicle will save you a lot of hassle in the future.
Of course, if changing your car will cost you more than the amount you can save, then upgrading to a ULEZ-exempt car may not be worth it in the end. This is especially true if you don’t visit areas within the ULEZ often or if you decide to travel via public transport or on a bike.
If you want to be ULEZ exempt, before looking for a new car, it’s best to first check to see if your current vehicle is okay to drive in the area. You’ll find that most modern vehicles younger than 2015 will be ULEZ exempt. There are many checkers available online to see if your car is okay. If you want more information about ULEZ checks, Car Adviser has an article about them here.
If you find that your current car isn’t ULEZ exempt, then it’s best to find one that is, especially if you live in or frequently travel to London. Plus, because many other cities are beginning to introduce their own low emission and low pollution schemes, it may be a good idea to ensure that your next car is exempt so that you can guarantee that you’ll be able to drive in these locations without being charged too.
| Car brand | Model | Price range |
|---|---|---|
| BMW | 3 Series | £32,000-£54,000 |
| Mercedes | C-Class | £41,000-£55,000 |
| Audi | A3 | £26,500-£32,000 |
| Nissan | Leaf | £28,900-£32,000 |
| Nissan | Qashqai | £25,700-£35,000 |
| Honda | Jazz | £19,800-£25,000 |
| Suzuki | Swift | £14,800-£19,500 |
| Ford | Fiesta | £12,000-£16,000 |
| Volkswagen | Golf | £24,500-£30,000 |
| Skoda | Octavia | £22,500-£29,999 |
| Kia | Ceed | £22,000-£25,000 |
| Mazda | 6 | £25,700-£33,700 |
| Abarth | 500 | £20,000-£30,000 |
As stated previously in the article, most cars made after 2005 will be ULEZ exempt, meaning you’ll have plenty of choices about what cars you can get.
With that said, there are certainly a few cars that are much more popular than others that are more often driven in these low emission zones.
Here’s a look at some of the best and most in-demand ULEZ exempt cars, with models to suit multiple different budgets and preferences.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious model to drive around within the ULEZ, you can’t go wrong with the BMW 3 series. Not only is it a classy and stylish vehicle, but it offers a great mileage per gallon for a car of this specification.
The engine of this car is super powerful, giving you access to nippy acceleration and control, which can help when navigating the often crowded streets of inner London. Plus, the car has many extra quality-of-life features you may not find in more budget options.
The BMW 3 series comes in many different versions, including the innovative and relatively unique Plug-in-Hybrid, one of the best options for a car that’s good for the environment while not compromising on power and performance.
The car is rear-wheel drive and only comes with a 4-door option, meaning that it’s fairly spacious and is great for executives going about business while also being suitable for families. The car’s interior is comfortable for both the driver and passenger, and you can easily adjust things like the wheels and seats so that it fits you perfectly.
Do note that not all 3 Series cars are ULEZ exempt. You need to get the 323i, 325i, or 330i option for petrol cars. You’ll have to get the smaller 318i or 320i engines if you prefer diesel. Despite this, they still pack a punch, and this option is one of the best if you’re looking for a high-spec ULEZ-exempt vehicle.
| Price range | Top speed | MPG |
|---|---|---|
| £32,000-£54,000 | 138-155mph | 26-36mpg |
Another more luxurious option for those looking for a ULEZ exempt vehicle is the Mercedes C-Class. This modern Mercedes blends classic looks and style with comfort and innovation, including hybrid technology, allowing you to feel the benefits of electric power. This car is slick and is perfect for drivers who want to turn heads while driving around the city.
Depending on your preferences, you can also get this model as an entirely electric vehicle, which will be beneficial when petrol and diesel cars are outlawed in the near future.
The C-Class is one of the most expensive cars suggested in this list, which shows in its design and interiors. It’s a larger vehicle, which may not suit drivers looking for something more nimble when driving around smaller city streets.
The car has a great suspension, meaning that it remains comfortable no matter how bumpy the road you’re on, and in some cases, it even has a more sporty feel. This can easily handle a few potholes and controls very well despite the fact that it’s a slightly more robust size.
If there are negatives to this vehicle, it can be pretty loud, especially in terms of road noise, as you’ll be able to hear vibrations and wind, especially when cruising at high speed.
Although that can be annoying, its reversing camera and rear and front parking sensors definitely make up for the noise, as they can be instrumental in helping you to fit into tight spots, which can be invaluable when driving around the city. The C-Class also has multiple features, such as GPS and a slick and responsive touchscreen. If you want to drive around in style without paying ULEZ charges, this is a great option.
| Price range | Top speed | MPG |
|---|---|---|
| £41,000-£55,000 | 145-180mph | 25-36mpg |
The A3 is a classic Audi model that many drivers within London have fallen in love with. Despite being ULEZ exempt, this car compromises on nothing and offers a comfortable yet responsive drive that’s more than capable of keeping up with the fast-moving traffic.
This car is great for driving in the central London ULEZ areas because it’s pretty compact, making it much more agile and better suited to frequent city driving.
You have multiple options regarding the specific model you can get, but to ensure you get the most for your money, it’s a good idea to get the S line models as they’re well equipped with various features and perks.
To keep under ULEZ regulations, you’ll have to get their 1.4-litre petrol engine or the 2.0-litre diesel engine, which are still great options and provide enough power and speed.
Although it’s a more luxury and business savvy look, this Audi A3 is designed to be a family car, focusing on comfort and safety. With front and rear airbags and other amazing features to keep the car safe, this car is great for ferrying the family around in style and sophistication.
In addition, the handling on the A3 is perhaps one of its best features, with it being predictable, secure and engaging, which is great if you’re looking for a seamless riding experience.
With it being a little less than some of the other great luxury ULEZ exempt vehicles, it’s a great mid-range option that you should definitely consider.
| Price range | Top speed | MPG |
|---|---|---|
| £26,500-£32,000 | 130-144mph | 29-38mpg |
For those who want to get a car that’s not only great for now but also has one eye on the future, then there’s nothing better than getting the fully electric Nissan Leaf. This model is one of the best options on the market for affordable electric cars, as it is not only super great for the environment and ULEZ exempt, but it also drives really well, has a tremendous average mileage per charge, and is stylish and comfortable.
The Nissan Leaf has no tailpipe emissions, meaning it’s one of the cleanest cars you can drive, which is perfect for inner-city driving. The vehicle also boasts some initiative technology to help improve your driving experience, such as e-Pedal and ProPILOT, which help give the car a more futuristic feel.
All of the Nissan Leaf models are perfect for ULEZ driving, meaning that you have a wide choice to find one that’s in your budget and most appeals to you.
What’s great about the Nissan Leaf that makes it so popular is that it’s one of the first electric-only cars to drive and feel like a car powered by the traditional fuel types. It has good power, a decent top speed, and is spacious without being too large. It’s a great all-around car which you should seriously consider if you’re looking for ULEZ exempt cars.
| Price range | Top speed | Miles per charge |
|---|---|---|
| £28,900-£32,000 | 89-98mph | 149 miles |
Nissan is a great manufacturer for those looking for ULEZ exempt cars. If you don’t yet fancy jumping to fully electric vehicles, you can always opt for the Qashqai. Said to be the best of both worlds, this car is the ultimate crossover, giving you the practicality of an SUV while giving you the compactness of a hatchback.
The car’s size and comfort make it perfect for city driving. Its sophisticated safety features and added technology will allow you to drive confidently no matter where you are and how busy the roads are.
The car has great acceleration and doesn’t feel sluggish at all, which is perfect for those who like a responsive drive. It’s smooth, handles well, and boasts a pretty nice and luxurious interior.
When looking to get a ULEZ exempt version of the Qashqai, you’ll have to opt for the mid-hybrid model that has drastically reduced the Co2 emissions of the vehicle.
With that said, if you don’t want to buy a new model, the Qashqai is a great option if you’re looking to buy a used version. This is because most Qashqai’s registered after 2007 will be ULEZ exempt, meaning that you have a great deal of choice to help you find the best deal for you.
| Price range | Top speed | MPG |
|---|---|---|
| £25,700-£35,000 | 117-128mph | 47-52mpg |
The Honda Jazz is one of the more recent hybrid vehicles and takes advantage of all the innovations within the industry to help create a high-quality vehicle.
If you want to get the benefits of electric-powered vehicles yet don’t have the infrastructure in place to charge them at home, then the Honda Jazz is a fantastic compromise. The electric motor is powered by a combustion engine and braking that uses the energy from the friction to power the battery. This means that the Honda Jazz never has to be charged.
The hybrid technology gives the Honda Jazz a great range, as you’ll be able to use this car a lot before needing to refuel, which can help save you money.
In terms of performance, the Honda Jazz isn’t too powerful but still has a responsive feel, especially when handling and braking. Both the Advanced Honda Jazz and the sporty Crosstour are ULEZ exempt, giving you a choice to choose a model that best suits your personality.
This car is definitely a compact option, meaning that it may not suit those with large families or who need a lot of luggage space. Still, there aren’t much better options for a couple or single professional living and working in the city. It’s very well equipped, comfortable, and drives really well.
| Price range | Top speed | MPG |
|---|---|---|
| £19,800-£25,000 | 104-108mph | 47-52mpg |
If you’re looking for a small car option that’s fun, has a bit of an edge, and falls within an affordable price range for most people, then the Suzuki Swift is an excellent option. Described as city-chic, the Swift lives up to its name, a nippy car perfect for running errands around the city.
Despite being a cheaper option, the Suzuki Swift does feel luxury in places, especially with its 16-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights. It’s also a super safe vehicle and boasts technology like automated enhanced braking and cruise control that’s adaptive to your needs.
Like many other cars on this list, the Swift is a mid-hybrid vehicle, meaning that it marries together electric and engine power to give you a strong and capable feeling car while keeping emissions low.
You choose from multiple different variants of the Suzuki Swift, as most of them will be ULEZ exempt. Some of the best options include the SZ-L, SZ-T, and SZ5.
Many people feel you have to compromise on the driving experience when getting a low-emission car. The Swift proves this is not the case, as it boasts an impressive amount of speed, handling capabilities, and a smooth ride, which will keep you comfortable as both a passenger and driver.
| Price range | Top speed | MPG |
|---|---|---|
| £14,800-£19,500 | 120-130mph | 51-59mpg |
In terms of reliability and quality, Ford has been one of the leading manufacturers for decades, producing cars that tick all the boxes in terms of performance, style, safety, and comfort. The Ford Fiesta EcoBoost is nothing different, as it innovates from one of the most popular Ford models in the UK and gives it a more eco-friendly boost.
It retains all the essential features that drivers loved about the standard Fiesta. However, it now incorporates better technology, has a much lower Co2 emission count, and gives you an impressive fuel economy.
The Fiesta EcoBoost is a very comfortable car and is a favourite among new drivers because it is easy to drive and control. It can handle pretty much anything and works well for quick drives or long treks to the other side of the city.
Ford has been a manufacturer that focused on creating environmentally friendly cars early. This means you don’t have to get a new model to be ULEZ exempt.
In fact, if you’re getting a petrol Fiesta, anything younger than their 2005 model will be perfect for driving in the Ultra Low Emission Zones.
Anything post-2006 will also be ideal for their diesel option, meaning it’s straightforward to find a second-hand Fiesta if you’re looking for a cheap way to become ULEZ exempt.
| Price range | Top speed | MPG |
|---|---|---|
| £12,000-£16,000 | 105-112mph | 47-51mpg |
The Volkswagen Golf is perhaps one of the most recognisable car brands, even for people who aren’t that into motoring. It’s an iconic vehicle that’s been a reliable and favoured option for many people, including those who drive within inner London, due to its compliance with ULEZ.
Many reviewers feel that the Golf is the best hatchback you can get on the market, especially as there are multiple different variants and engine types that you can choose from, meaning that there’s a Golf that can suit everyone.
The Golf isn’t considered the most stylish. In fact, it can be almost bland in some people’s opinion. However, it makes up for this in practicality and driving dynamics, as it’s responsive, safe to drive, has great handling, and is large enough for families too.
The Golf is a car that will suit anyone and has positioned itself in the market as the best all-rounder you can get. It has a suspension that deals with uneven roads and potholes super well and has light steering that makes it better suited to town and city driving. It’s also pretty quiet, with its refined engine not making much noise, even when revved up to high speeds and gears.
Regarding ULEZ compliance, you can choose multiple models, including the all-electric SUV ID.4, not to mention classic options like the GTI, 1.4 TDI ACT, 1.3 TSI Evo, or the 2.0 TDI.
| Price range | Top speed | MPG |
|---|---|---|
| £24,500-£30,000 | 125-167mph | 29-39mpg |
The Octavia may not have the best reputation, and for many in the know, it may be a model that you turn your nose up to. However, Skoda has changed this car a lot since its inception in 1997, and in its newer models, you can expect to find a stylish and slick vehicle with great practical and safety features.
The Skoda Octavia is best utilised as a family car, as it has a lot of space and is comfortable to be in. This added size may make city driving a bit more complicated, especially when on compact and highly congested inner-city roads, but its added features like lane assist and sensors can make driving it a lot easier.
To get an Octavia that is ULEZ exempt, it needs to be a newer model with SE technology. Common choices you can get include the Octavia Estate SE Technolgy, the Estate SE L, or the Estate VRS.
The Octavia today is vastly superior to the car that entered the market and combines perfect comfort, driving experience, and practicality to give you a good option if you want to drive in ULEZ areas.
| Price range | Top speed | MPG |
|---|---|---|
| £22,500-£29,999 | 125-155 | 50-56mpg |
The Kia Ceed is an excellent vehicle pretty much designed for city driving. It has the looks that suit the environment, being described as city-chic; however, it’s more than just a modern-looking, stylish car.
The car is also incredibly clever, as the mid-hybrid system means that the vehicle recharges as you drive, using technology like regenerative braking. This means you don’t have to plug the car in to charge while still getting the environmental benefits of electric power.
The Ceed is a supercharged vehicle, meaning that it’s responsive and quick off the mark, which is perfect for setting off after traffic lights that you’ll encounter a lot in London. It also has lane following assist to help keep you on the right track and a driver attention warning so that you can stay focused on your drive.
With that said, you may not be a fan of the Ceed if you’re looking for total smoothness and comfort. The suspension isn’t as good as some other family options, meaning it can be pretty bouncy, and you’ll definitely feel every bump in the road as you drive. This can be fine to overlook if your typical journeys are short, but it can get annoying if you drive long distances.
When getting the car new from Kia, it also comes with a generous 7-year warranty that’s one of the longest in the industry, meaning that it’ll be easy to keep it in good condition.
| Price range | Top speed | MPG |
|---|---|---|
| £22,000-£25,000 | 118-130mph | 38-54mpg |
Mazda is a hugely popular brand among young men, making the Mazda 6 a great option for working professionals in London. The car has a boisterous look to it and is a fun car to drive, no matter the location. It blends style, performance, and comfort pretty well, creating a vehicle that ticks many boxes when searching for ULEZ exempt cars.
That said, not all Mazda 6s will have low enough emissions to avoid charges. Currently, only models fitted with the SKYACTIV-D diesel engine will be ULEZ exempt as these engines have a much lower compression rate, producing fewer emissions.
The car still has a lot of power under the hood despite its eco-friendliness and doesn’t compromise on its qualities to deliver a car that’s great for the environment. With that said, the car doesn’t have a turbo booster, meaning that it can feel like it’s working pretty hard to get up to its upper speeds. As a result of that, the engine can also be a bit noisy. The ride is also a bit choppy, especially if you’re driving over less-than-perfect town roads, which is something that you’ll have to consider.
The future of the Mazda 6 also looks good, as the new versions will incorporate a hybrid system taking the car to the next level.
| Price range | Top speed | MPG |
|---|---|---|
| £25,700-£33,700 | 128-139mph | 38-42mpg |
The Abarth 500 is a great, small car option perfect for city driving. Despite its size, it still packs a pretty high horsepower which can be attributed to its turbocharger.
The car is very similar to the ever-popular Fiat 500. However, it’s a bit sportier than that vehicle and has been reworked to have lower suspension and better handling – making it the better choice for many who drive in London.
The Abarth 500 is ULEZ exempt regardless of what model you get, yet it doesn’t compromise on power at all. It’s a light car, which helps keep it nippy and quick off the mark. It’s said to be fun to drive and is also super reliable and robust, meaning that you’ll be spending less time and money getting this car repaired than other options.
One thing about the Abarth is that it doesn’t scream quality, especially considering the interior. For many, the plastic components can make the car feel a bit cheap, and it’s also pretty bare inside the cockpit. Plus, many also think that the alignment of the seats can make it a bit less comfortable to drive, especially for larger people.
The Abarth 500 is far more valuable if you get it second-hand. Thankfully, this model has a flourishing second-hand market, meaning that you can easily find a pretty cheap Abarth 500 if you’re looking for a replacement ULEZ exempt car.
It’s not the best for families due to its size, but for young people who don’t need massive space, it could be one of the best options on the market.
| Price range | Top speed | MPG |
|---|---|---|
| £20,000-£30,000 | 134-139mph | 40-42mpg |
In addition to cars that are in the appropriate Euro Emission level for their engine type, other types of vehicles are also exempt from having to pay ULEZ. Electric and hybrid cars will also not have to pay and are often the best choice for drivers who want to get a new ULEZ exempt car.
If you have any of the following vehicles, you may not have to pay ULEZ when entering central London. However, it’s still best to check as some of these vehicles can have specific rules and regulations:
As a general rule of thumb, the older a car is, the less likely it is to be ULEZ exempt. This is because cars built and registered before 2005 didn’t often consider the Euro Emission standards, meaning that more cars made in that period fell below that threshold.
That said, it doesn’t mean that all old cars aren’t ULEZ exempt, as many are. Also, plenty of modern vehicles also emit too many emissions to be fee-free. That’s why it’s always important to check with a ULEZ checker to make sure that your car is okay.
The ULEZ is based on emissions and not age. So, although age isn’t the main factor, it is likely that new vehicles will produce fewer emissions.
If you own a petrol car, it’s highly likely that it will meet the ULEZ standards if it was registered after 2005. For a diesel car, you can be confident that it’ll be okay if it was registered after 2015.
Suppose you currently have a car that isn’t ULEZ exempt and want to upgrade to a vehicle that is. In that case, a few options are available to help make that an easier process, providing that you meet specific criteria.
The most popular form of help you can get is the ULEZ scrappage scheme. With this initiative, you’ll be able to scrap your current car and get up to £2,000 to put towards the cost of a compliant vehicle or £1,000 for a motorbike.
The scheme is only eligible for certain people living in London, such as those receiving child benefits or small businesses with less than 50 employees registered in London. If you’re not eligible for the scheme, getting support to upgrade your car can be difficult.
You may be able to get some money for a new ULEZ-compliant vehicle by selling your vehicle online or through your local dealership.
To be able to get the scrappage scheme, you need to live within one of the 32 London boroughs and receive certain benefits. If you’re neither of these two things, getting assistance in upgrading your car can be difficult.
Other alternatives include selling the vehicle online or through a dealership.
The ULEZ uses the Euro Emission standards, which detail the maximum amount of emissions a car can produce for each of its six levels.
Petrol cars need to be at least level 4, whereas diesel cars need to be level 6. A level 4 car will produce no more than:
A car that’s in the Euro 6 bracket will produce even less than this, which the maximum limits for vehicles in this bracket being:
These limits are maintained and were decided by the European standards and are consistent across the continent.
Here are the most popular ULEZ exempt cars in 2024: