UK Expands Electric Car Grant to Cover 12 More Models

Image Credit: Renault

The UK Government has expanded its Electric Car Grant Scheme to cover an additional thirteen models, giving eligible buyers a £1,500 discount on the upfront cost. The scheme now includes roughly one in every eight zero-emission car models currently available in the UK market. First introduced in mid-July as the successor to the Plug-In Car Grant, which closed in 2022, the programme is designed to boost the adoption of cleaner transport.

Among the newly added models are several from Renault, including the Scenic, Renault 4, Renault 5, Megane, Alpine A290 and the electric version of the Renault Micro. Nissan’s Micro and Ariya models also make the list.

Vauxhall has had six models approved for the grant. These include the Corsa Electric, Combo Life Electric, Astra Electric, Mokka Electric, Frontera Electric and Grandland Electric.

This follows an earlier announcement confirming that the Citroën ë-C3, ë-C4, ë-C5 and ë-Berlingo are eligible for the same £1,500 discount. The Government noted a surge in interest after the original announcement, with searches for electric vehicles priced at £37,000 or less rising by 124 per cent in just one week.

Carwow CEO John Veichmanis said: “The confirmation that more affordable, practical EVs have been approved for the Electric Car Grant is exactly what the market needs.

“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.”

How the Grant Works

Electric car registrations in the UK climbed by nearly 26 per cent in May compared with the same month last year. While fleet managers have found it easier to access affordable light-duty EVs, uptake among individual buyers has been slower.

In June, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders warned that relying on carmakers to offer heavy discounts to tempt customers was no longer a sustainable strategy.

The Plug-In Car Grant was gradually reduced and eventually closed by the previous Conservative Government. Labour has since clarified its plans for continuing grants in other segments, such as taxis, vans and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, before launching the Electric Car Grant for private motorists.

Funding for the scheme will run until the 2028-2029 financial year. For a car to qualify, the manufacturer must apply for inclusion, and the savings are then passed directly to the buyer.

The size of the grant depends on sustainability performance. Vehicles ranked in the top band can receive up to £3,750, while those in the second band can receive up to £1,500. No cars have yet been announced in the top band.