Thousands of London Uber drivers who have switched to using a fully electric car say they are likely to go back to a petrol or diesel version when they have to start paying the congestion charge early next year, according to the results of a poll.

An estimated 20,000 Uber drivers in the capital – 40 per cent – have switched to EVs, in large part because of an exemption from the daily charge for entering central London, which is currently £15, according to the London Evening Standard.

However, under Transport for London proposals this Cleaner Vehicle Discount will end early in the New Year, when the daily standard rate will go up to £18. EV drivers will have to start paying – with only a 25 per cent discount – making them liable for a £13.50 congestion charge.

The vast majority of Uber drivers who have gone electric say this will leave them worse off. The Leading the Charge campaign is calling on TfL to think again and maintain the 100 per cent discount for EVs, or risk jeopardising the huge progress made by Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan on cleaning up London’s air.

Uber’s internal polling found that as many as half of its EV drivers could go back to more polluting carbon-fuelled cars when the new charging regime kicks in on January 2, in a huge blow to London’s reputation as a clean air city.

The results suggest many thousands will give up their EVs and start driving traditional internal combustion engine cars again, massively increasing harmful carbon and nitrogen oxide emissions, as well as particulates.

More than nine out of 10 EV drivers said the current 100 per cent discount is “extremely important” to them and a similar proportion are opposed to the new proposals.

(Pic: Yay Images)