Expanded eligible vehicles for the Electric Car Incentive Program by 13 vehicles
New Electric Vehicles Become More Affordable with Government Grants
The UK government's Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme is making it easier and cheaper for families to switch to electric vehicles (EVs). This week, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced discounts on 17 car models from Nissan, Renault, Vauxhall, and Alpine, bringing the total number of eligible vehicles to 30.
The ECG grants are added onto manufacturers' own deals, rather than replacing official discounts. This means that consumers can benefit from both the government-funded discount and any additional offers from car manufacturers.
The new Nissan Micra now starts from £21,495, a £1,500 reduction thanks to the ECG. The Renault 5 E-Tech is also available for £21,495 after the same discount. Several models from Citroen also qualify for the government-funded £1,500 discount.
Vauxhall's Corsa Electric receives an additional £1,500 grant, a £1,500 deposit contribution for its 0% finance PCP, and an extra £500 for a home charger or public charging. The new Vauxhall Frontera starts from £22,495, which is £1,760 less than its petrol hybrid equivalent.
To qualify for the ECG, manufacturers and their vehicles must meet strict sustainability and environmental standards. Key sustainability criteria include a clear pathway to carbon neutrality across their UK operations by 2030, verified Science-Based Targets aimed at reducing emissions, transparent reporting on supply chains, adoption of recognised environmental management systems, support for circular economy principles, and vehicles assessed in two bands for the grant.
Currently, no vehicles qualify for the higher £3,750 grant, but many are eligible for the £1,500 discount based on meeting lower sustainability thresholds. Each model and manufacturer is reviewed annually to ensure ongoing compliance, with risk of suspension or removal if standards are not maintained.
This assessment is intended to encourage greener EVs made more locally and penalize cars and batteries produced in China. The fact that no model has yet received the full ECG suggests the cars so far are green but could be greener, possibly by using batteries made in Europe.
Alexander stated that the government is delivering on its promise to make it easier and cheaper for families to go electric. With discounts on 17 car models announced this week, the government is one step closer to its goal of having 60% of new car sales being ultra-low emission by 2030.
- The UK government's Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme is enhancing the affordability of electric vehicles (EVs), enabling families to transition to EVs more easily.
- This week, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander revealed discounts on 17 car models from brands like Nissan, Renault, Vauxhall, and Alpine, increasing the total number of eligible vehicles to 30.
- The ECG grants are applied in addition to manufacturers' own deals, allowing consumers to receive both the government-funded discount and any additional offers from car manufacturers.
- The newly priced Nissan Micra starts from £21,495, a £1,500 reduction attributed to the ECG, while the Renault 5 E-Tech also sees a £1,500 reduction, selling for £21,495.
- Vauxhall's Corsa Electric qualifies for a £1,500 ECG grant, £1,500 deposit contribution for its 0% finance PCP, and an additional £500 for a home charger or public charging.
- The new Vauxhall Frontera starts from £22,495, which represents a £1,760 reduction compared to its petrol hybrid equivalent.
- To qualify for the ECG, manufacturers and their vehicles must adhere to rigorous sustainability and environmental standards, focusing on areas like carbon neutrality, emissions reduction, supply chain transparency, and adoption of environmental management systems.
