The UK Government has announced that 13 new electric vehicles will be eligible for the Electric Car Grant scheme, which offers a £1,500 discount on the purchase of a new electric car
Motorists across the country can now enjoy savings of £1,500 on some of the UK’s most sought-after car brands as Nissan, Renault and Vauxhall models join Citroën in the Government’s flagship Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme.
An additional thirteen Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been deemed eligible for the scheme, bringing this week’s total to seventeen newly included models. This enhancement is part of the Government’s £650 million initiative aimed at making EV ownership more affordable and straightforward, putting money back into the pockets of hardworking individuals, while also bolstering jobs and growth under the Plan for Change.
In a bid to accelerate the transition to EVs, the Government is investing a whopping £4.5 billion, solidifying the UK’s standing as a global frontrunner in EV adoption. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here.
With Britain projected to be Europe’s largest EV market by 2024 and sales already up nearly a third this year, the future of motoring in the UK looks increasingly electric.
Customers will see the discounts applied automatically at the point of sale, with no paperwork necessary. The scheme is capped at vehicles costing up to £37,000, aiming to support the most affordable options.
The new eligible models announced on Saturday, August 9, are:
- Renault Alpine A290 = £1,500 discount
- Renault Megane = £1,500 discount
- Renault 4 = £1,500 discount
- Renault 5 = £1,500 discount
- Renault Scenic = £1,500 discount
- Nissan Micra = £1,500 discount
- Nissan Ariya = £1,500 discount
- Vauxhall Corsa Electric = £1,500 discount
- Vauxhall Combo Life Electric = £1,500 discount
- Vauxhall Astra Electric = £1,500 discount
- Vauxhall Mokka Electric = £1,500 discount
- Vauxhall Frontera Electric = £1,500 discount
- Vauxhall Grandland Electric = £1,500 discount
These join the following Citroën models announced as eligible for the grant earlier this week:
- Citroën ë-C3 = £1,500 discount
- Citroën e-C4 = £1,500 discount
- Citroën ë-C5 = £1,500 discount
- Citroën ë-Berlingo = £1,500 discount
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “With discounts on seventeen car models announced this week alone, we’re delivering on our promise to make it easier and cheaper for families to go electric.
“This is about backing drivers, putting money back into people’s pockets and creating the jobs and growth that will drive Britain forward, delivering on our Plan for Change.”
In the coming weeks, as manufacturers’ applications are evaluated against the scheme’s sustainability standards, more models are expected to be approved.
The ECG forms part of a hefty £4.5 billion investment from the Government to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, simultaneously stimulating industry and fostering growth as part of the Plan for Change. Given that high upfront costs are often a deterrent to purchasing EVs, these discounts aim to reduce the price of models so they align more closely with their petrol and diesel equivalents.
With over 82,000 public charging points currently available – equating to one new addition every half an hour – and more than 100,000 planned for the near future, the Government is constructing the infrastructure drivers require to confidently make the switch.
Moreover, to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles, the latest £63 million charging package includes funding to simplify home charging for motorists and enable them to run their EVs for as little as 2p per mile.
RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: “Another wave of cars qualifying for the Government’s revamped Electric Car Grant is yet more welcome news. It’s also very positive to see other manufacturers that don’t meet the grant’s green production targets lowering their prices.
“Those looking to make the switch now have a wider choice of better value vehicles than ever before. This can only help speed up the transition to electric motoring.”
In collaboration with the industry, the Department for Transport is swiftly making these discounts available to drivers, providing guidance to facilitate manufacturers’ applications.
This initiative coincides with the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate, obliging manufacturers to progressively sell a higher percentage of zero-emission vehicles each year.
Recent amendments to the mandate offer the industry the certainty and stability it has been seeking, while vital trade agreements with the US, India, and the European Union bolster the UK’s automotive sector and safeguard jobs.
John Veichmanis, CEO at Carwow Group: “The confirmation that more affordable, practical EVs have been approved for the Electric Car Grant is exactly what the market needs.
“Data from Carwow’s platform shows that buyers are ready to act; demand for EVs under £37,000 jumped 124% in the week following the scheme’s announcement. Interest in already-approved models has surged, and we expect these newly added vehicles to draw immediate attention.
“Car-buying decisions don’t happen overnight, they often take months, so early clarity on eligible models is crucial. By lowering upfront costs, the grant plays a pivotal role in turning EV curiosity into commitment.”
