Key Highlights
- The UK government has introduced a new EV grant, offering up to £3,750 off the price of new electric vehicles under £37,000.
- The scheme is part of a broader £650 million grant program to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and boost the nation's electric vehicle infrastructure.
- Manufacturers must meet strict sustainability standards to participate in the EV grant UK scheme, with the greenest models receiving the largest discounts.
- Nearly 50 new electric vehicles are expected to qualify, with more brands confirming participation regularly.
- Additional incentives and support for EV charging and infrastructure are available for both individuals and businesses.
- Leading manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Skoda, MG, and Hyundai have confirmed their engagement in the latest grant program.
Introduction
Switching to electric vehicles has just become a lot more accessible in the UK, thanks to the reintroduction of the EV grant. With upfront costs often cited as a barrier, this new initiative provides significant financial support to help you make the leap towards zero-emissions driving. Beyond simply reducing the purchase price, the grant also complements ongoing improvements in EV charging infrastructure, ensuring that your journey to electric mobility is both affordable and convenient. Read on to find out how the new EV grant can benefit you.
Overview of the New Electric Vehicle (EV) Grant Scheme
A new initiative has been introduced to bolster the adoption of electric vehicles, enhancing the electric vehicle infrastructure across the UK. This grant program offers financial incentives of up to £3,750 to eligible individuals, making EV ownership more accessible. By subsidizing the cost of electric vehicles, the scheme encourages a shift towards greener transportation solutions, ultimately contributing to a sustainable future. Participants can benefit from streamlined application processes, ensuring that potential EV owners can quickly embrace this innovative technology.
Purpose and Background of the Grant Initiative
The intent behind the EV grant is to address the primary hurdles preventing broader adoption of electric vehicles—namely, affordability and convenience. Launched as part of a comprehensive grant program, this initiative seeks to bridge the cost gap between petrol and electric models, putting greener transport within reach for more households. As Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander explained, “This EV grant will not only allow people to keep more of their hard-earned money – it’ll help our automotive sector seize one of the biggest opportunities of the 21st century.”
The initiative is a key element of the UK’s commitment to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, with ongoing funding secured until at least 2029.
Which Vehicles Qualify for the Discount?
Only certain electric vehicles qualify for the government’s grant program. Eligibility is determined by a car’s price (must be £37,000 or below) and the manufacturer’s adherence to sustainability standards, including progress on Science-Based Targets for emissions.
Key criteria for qualifying vehicles:
Must be fully electric (zero emission at the tailpipe).
- Listed under the government’s approved models for the EV grant.
- Meets defined sustainability and manufacturing standards.
- Purchased new from a participating dealership or supplier.
Nearly 50 models are expected to be eligible, ranging from budget-friendly city cars to compact SUVs. The full list will be updated regularly as manufacturers and models are approved, ensuring buyers can choose from a broad and growing selection of EVs.
Manufacturers Participating in the New EV Grant
A growing list of manufacturers have confirmed participation in the EV grant UK, with more expected as the scheme evolves. Volkswagen, Skoda, MG, Hyundai, and Volvo are among the first major brands to announce their involvement. Others are offering their own discounts to complement or pre-empt the official grant.
The grant’s requirements mean that only those brands committed to sustainability and zero-emissions targets will be eligible. As further manufacturers join, customers will enjoy even more choice and better access to affordable electric vehicles.
Confirmed Brands Offering the Grant
Several major manufacturers have already confirmed that their electric vehicles will be available under the new grant program, with others launching their own parallel incentives. This is providing more competitive deals for buyers and accelerating the uptake of electric cars on UK roads.
Below is a table of key manufacturers and their current EV grant-related offers:
Manufacturer | Models/Offer Details |
Volkswagen | £1,500 grant on select ID3, ID4 models |
Skoda | £1,500 off Elroq, Enyaq SUV (excl. Enyaq Coupe) |
Great Wall Motors | £3,750 off Ora 03 |
Leapmotor | £3,750 off C10 (via self-funded LEAP-GRANT) |
MG | £1,500 off S5 and MG4 (additional to other discounts) |
Hyundai | £3,750 off Inster; £1,500 off Kona Electric, Ioniq range |
Volvo | £1,500 off EX30 models |
Skywell | £3,750 off BE11 |
Smart | £3,500 off #1, £2,500 off #3 |
Kia | £3,750 off EV3 Air |
Alfa Romeo | Discounts across electric models |
With more automakers expected to join the scheme, drivers will have increasing options for affordable EVs.
Models Currently Eligible Under the Scheme
The government anticipates nearly 50 electric vehicle models will meet the criteria for the grant program, with the list expanding as more manufacturers confirm participation. Eligible models range widely, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Examples of currently expected qualifying models include:
- CUPRA Born (From £35,690)
- Dacia Spring (from £14,995)
- Volkswagen ID3 (from £30,860)
- Skoda Elroq (from £31,510)
- MG4 (from £26,995)
- Hyundai Inster (from £23,005)
Eligibility hinges on vehicles being new, priced at or below £37,000, and manufactured by brands committed to sustainability. It’s important to check regularly, as the roster of eligible models is set to grow as more brands and cars are certified for the grant.
What does the New EV grant mean for UK drivers?
Many drivers say the upfront cost of electric cars is a major barrier which stops them from making the switch. This grant is designed to close that gap, making EVs more affordable.
On top of the new grant discount, electric cars can save you up to £1,500 a year on fuel and running costs compared to standard petrol cars. Combined with lower taxes and ongoing savings, switching to an EV is becoming an increasingly smart choice for people looking to save money.
Eligible electric vehicles are expected to be announced in the coming week and at Swansway Motor Group we will be proud to offer you a wider and more affordable range of EV options. A full list of approved models is expected to be released soon by the Department for Transport.
For more information or to register your interest in our upcoming electric vehicle offers, contact us today.
Conclusion
As we explore the new electric vehicle grant scheme, it's clear that this initiative represents a significant step towards promoting greener transportation options. With up to £3,750 off electric vehicles, eligible individuals can enjoy substantial savings, making the switch to an eco-friendly vehicle more accessible than ever. Participating manufacturers have stepped up with a range of models that qualify for the discount, showcasing their commitment to sustainability and innovation. Whether you're a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade, now is the perfect time to take advantage of this grant and contribute to a cleaner environment. Stay informed about future grants and incentives to maximize your savings as the market evolves.