The first set of electric car models eligible for full purchase grants has been revealed
From today, August 28, motorists purchasing four particular models can benefit from a £1,500 reduction courtesy of the government’s Electric Car Grant scheme. The initial batch of electric vehicle models qualifying for complete purchase grants has been unveiled, as shown in the list below.
Two vehicle models qualify for a £3,750 reduction: the Ford Puma Gen-E and the Ford E-Tourneo Courier. All other electric car models announced today only qualify for a £1,500 reduction, although numerous additional models are expected to join soon.
Based on a Gov.uk announcement, further models will gain approval in the coming weeks. Manufacturers’ submissions will be assessed according to the scheme’s sustainability standards, ensuring that only the most eco-friendly vehicles qualify, reports Yorkshire Live.
The qualifying vehicle models currently included in the scheme represent part of the government’s £650 million strategy to “put money back in people’s pockets and make it cheaper and easier than ever before to own an electric vehicle (EV)”. The government also says: “The plans will also boost the UK’s automotive industry, a key sector identified in the UK’s modern Industrial Strategy, which supports 133,000 jobs in the UK, and a further 320,000 jobs in the wider economy.”
Commenting on the scheme, Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “We’re putting money back in people’s pockets and making it easier and cheaper for families to make the switch to electric, by delivering discounts of up to £3,750 on EVs. Our measures are driving competition in the UK EV market, boosting economic growth and supporting jobs and skills as part of our Plan for Change.”
Which electric vehicles qualify for a government discount?
- Ford Puma Gen-E – £3,750 discount
- Ford E-Tourneo Courier – £3,750 discount
- PEUGEOT E-308 – £1,500 discount
- PEUGEOT E-408 – £1,500 discount
- DS DS 3 – £1,500 discount
- DS No4 – £1,500 discount
The list of eligible car models was released today. In total, 28 electric vehicles (EVs) will be eligible for grants of either £3,750 or £1,500. Discounts are automatically applied at the point of sale. Pricing is determined by sustainability standards. To qualify, vehicles must not exceed £37,000.
The government says: “The ECG is targeting one of the main barriers to consumers going electric, with people often citing upfront costs as an obstacle to switching. The discounts are designed to bring prices down, so they more closely match equivalent petrol and diesel vehicles.”
Lisa Brankin, Ford UK Chair and Managing Director, welcomed the news, stating: “We welcome the government’s decision to accelerate the transition to electric mobility and are proud that Ford’s commitment to sustainability has been recognised with the full EV grant.”
Nicola Dobson, Managing Director at PEUGEOT UK, expressed her pride, saying: “With 6 of our all-electric models now confirmed for the Electric Car Grant, PEUGEOT is proud to give customers more opportunities to benefit from lower upfront costs and greater choice. From the popular E-208 through to the capacious E-RIFTER, and now E-308 and E-408, we have one of the broadest electric line-ups on the market.
“This government support is welcome to help make the switch to electric more accessible and give consumers greater confidence to choose the electric PEUGEOT that best fits their lifestyle, while driving forward the UK’s transition to cleaner mobility.”
Ministers are pledging more than £4.5 billion to assist people in shifting to electric vehicles (EVs), targeting both businesses and individual buyers. The Electric Car Grant scheme seeks to maintain the UK’s position as a world leader in EV uptake.
In July, the government unveiled a £63 million charging programme designed to slash costs and encourage more motorists to make the switch to EVs. This funding package features investment focused on making home charging more attainable, enabling EV drivers without off-street parking to run their cars for as little as 2p per mile.
Why are electric vehicles superior to petrol and diesel cars?
EVs are generally better than petrol and diesel vehicles because they generate lower lifetime carbon emissions. They also produce less air and noise pollution, need less servicing, and deliver enhanced energy efficiency.
Electricity can frequently be cheaper than petrol or diesel, especially if you charge at home or invest in renewable energy solutions. EVs boast simpler mechanical systems with fewer moving parts, which can result in reduced servicing and potentially lower repair costs. EVs deliver instant torque, enabling swift acceleration and a driving experience that is more responsive, smooth, and silent.