07/06/2017
A significant new initiative has been launched by the government aimed at encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) across the United Kingdom. Announced on 16 July 2025, this new grant offers financial incentives to make purchasing an EV more accessible. The first wave of eligible models has now been confirmed, providing consumers with a clearer picture of their options. This government-backed scheme has also prompted a ripple effect across the automotive industry, with many manufacturers, even those not initially eligible, introducing their own 'grants' in the form of discounts that mirror the government's offering. This article delves into which EVs qualify for the official grant, highlights manufacturers providing their own financial incentives, and breaks down the essential criteria for eligibility. We will be regularly updating this guide as more vehicles are confirmed and new manufacturer discounts are announced, ensuring you have the most current information to make an informed decision.
EVs Eligible for the Government Grant
The government grant is structured with two distinct levels of financial support: £1,500 and £3,750. The specific amount a vehicle is eligible for depends on its adherence to the outlined criteria. The table below provides a comprehensive overview of the officially approved EVs, their list prices before the grant, the grant amount they qualify for, and the resulting discounted price.
| Model (click for review) | List Price (excluding grant) | Grant Amount | Discounted Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine A290 | £33,500 | £1,500 | £32,000 |
| Citroën e-Berlingo M | £31,240 | £1,500 | £29,740 |
| Citroën e-C3 | £22,095 | £1,500 | £20,595 |
| Citroën e-C4 | £27,650 | £1,500 | £26,150 |
| Citroën e-C4 X | £28,715 | £1,500 | £27,215 |
| Citroën e-C5 Aircross | £34,065 | £1,500 | £32,565 |
| Citroën e-Berlingo XL | £32,240 | £1,500 | £30,740 |
| DS 3 E-Tense | £35,700 | £1,500 | £34,200 |
| Fiat 500 Electric | £28,195 | £1,500 | £26,695 |
| MG ZS EV | £29,745 | £1,500 | £28,245 |
| MG MG4 EV | £26,045 | £1,500 | £24,545 |
| Nissan Ariya | £39,245 | £3,750 | £35,495 |
| Nissan Leaf | £28,995 | £1,500 | £27,495 |
| Peugeot e-2008 | £33,050 | £1,500 | £31,550 |
| Peugeot e-Partner | £31,240 | £1,500 | £29,740 |
| Peugeot e-Traveller | £46,995 | £3,750 | £43,245 |
| Renault Megane E-Tech | £32,995 | £1,500 | £31,495 |
| Smart #1 | £35,950 | £1,500 | £34,450 |
| Smart #3 | £37,950 | £3,750 | £34,200 |
| Vauxhall Corsa Electric | £27,795 | £1,500 | £26,295 |
| Vauxhall Mokka Electric | £30,035 | £1,500 | £28,535 |
| Vauxhall Astra Electric | £34,995 | £1,500 | £33,495 |
| Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer Electric | £36,295 | £1,500 | £34,795 |
| Volkswagen ID.3 | £37,115 | £3,750 | £33,365 |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | £38,150 | £3,750 | £34,400 |
| Volkswagen ID.5 | £45,410 | £3,750 | £41,660 |
| Volkswagen ID. Buzz | £57,175 | £3,750 | £53,425 |
Please note: List prices are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change. Always confirm pricing and eligibility with your dealer.
Other EVs with Manufacturer Discounts
In parallel with the government's grant, a number of other automotive brands have proactively introduced their own customer-facing discounts. Some of these are being offered while manufacturers await confirmation of their eligibility for the government scheme, while others are a response to the current market dynamics, particularly for models that may not meet the stringent government grant criteria. The following table showcases a selection of these manufacturer-led discounts. It's important to note that these prices often incorporate existing brand incentives and may apply to the lowest and highest specified models within a range.
| Manufacturer | Model | Discounted Price Range (Inc. Discount) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Audi | Q4 e-tron | £39,995 - £55,000 | Manufacturer discount available. |
| BMW | i4 | £46,000 - £60,000 | Manufacturer discount available. |
| Hyundai | Kona Electric | £28,500 - £35,000 | Manufacturer discount available. |
| Kia | Niro EV | £32,000 - £38,000 | Manufacturer discount available. |
| Mercedes-Benz | EQA | £42,000 - £50,000 | Manufacturer discount available. |
| Skoda | Enyaq iV | £35,000 - £50,000 | Manufacturer discount available. |
| Tesla | Model 3 | £35,000 - £45,000 | Price fluctuations and occasional manufacturer offers. |
| Tesla | Model Y | £40,000 - £55,000 | Price fluctuations and occasional manufacturer offers. |
*Prices shown are indicative and may vary. Always consult with the manufacturer or dealership for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What are the EV Grant Criteria?
To qualify for the government's electric vehicle grant, manufacturers must meet stringent sustainability and technical benchmarks. The core requirement for manufacturers is to hold a valid Science Based Target (SBT), officially verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This commitment signifies a dedication to reducing emissions in line with climate science. Beyond the manufacturer's overarching commitment, individual EV models must also satisfy a set of specific criteria:
- List Price: The vehicle's list price must be less than £37,000. This price point excludes optional extras such as safety packs or winter upgrades. Crucially, if a specific battery and motor combination has a higher trim level exceeding £37,000, the model can still be eligible if a different trim level with the same core powertrain configuration falls below the £37,000 threshold.
- New Vehicle: The car must be brand new, with no previous owners. Pre-registered vehicles are not eligible.
- Technical Standards: EVs must meet various technical requirements, including a minimum electric range of 100 miles on a single charge.
- Warranty: A minimum warranty of 3 years or 60,000 miles is mandatory for the vehicle. For the battery and electric drivetrain, a warranty of 8 years or 100,000 miles is required. Manufacturers must also offer the option to extend the battery warranty by at least an additional two years.
Understanding Science Based Targets (SBTs)
The sustainability grant is intrinsically linked to a manufacturer's commitment to environmental responsibility. The requirement for a verified SBT means that manufacturers must demonstrate a clear plan to reduce their emissions or commit to achieving net-zero emissions. These targets are assessed and issued by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), an independent organisation that evaluates corporate sustainability strategies against the UK's international climate commitments. Manufacturers that have not committed to an SBT are ineligible for the scheme. For companies operating as 50/50 joint ventures (e.g., Smart, a collaboration between Geely and Mercedes-Benz), both parent companies must possess SBTs. In cases of joint ventures where one entity holds a majority ownership, only the majority owner is required to have an SBT. The grant also incorporates an 'environmental score' for each vehicle, which is influenced by the country of manufacture (accounting for 30% of the score) and the location where the car's main battery is produced (accounting for the remaining 70%). These proportions are derived from studies commissioned by the Department for Transport, utilising carbon emission factors from 2022. Furthermore, manufacturers are required to provide a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty on their vehicles, a standard practice across all UK brands. The critical component, the EV battery and drivetrain, must be covered by an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty. Notably, all manufacturers except Nissan currently meet this requirement. Manufacturers are also expected to ensure that batteries retain at least 80% of their original charge capacity for the first three years of ownership, and 70% over the first eight years or 100,000 miles.
Grant Availability and Duration
The government has allocated a substantial fund of £650 million to support this grant scheme. The availability of the grant is set to continue until 31 March 2029, marking the end of the 2028/29 financial year. However, this timeline is contingent on the allocated funding not being exhausted sooner. The government has also reserved the right to amend the scheme's terms and conditions without prior notice, underscoring the importance of staying informed about any updates.
How to Claim the Grant
Customers do not need to actively apply for the government grant. The responsibility for obtaining approval and processing the grant lies with the dealerships and manufacturers. Once a customer places an order for a new, eligible EV, the dealership and manufacturer will manage the entire process of receiving the grant from the government on behalf of the buyer.
Should You Buy a New EV Now?
For consumers contemplating the purchase of a new electric car, the current landscape suggests that it might be prudent to exercise a degree of patience. While the new grant is a significant incentive, it will likely take some time for the full range of eligible and discounted EVs to become widely available and for the market to fully respond. It is advisable to hold off on making a purchase until more manufacturers begin to actively advertise their eligible and discounted EV offerings. The exact timeline for this widespread availability remains uncertain at present. Conclusion:The introduction of the new government grant represents a substantial step forward in making electric vehicles more attainable for UK consumers. By understanding the eligibility criteria, the available grants, and the manufacturer-specific discounts, buyers can navigate the evolving EV market more effectively. While the immediate availability of all discounted models is still developing, the future for EV adoption in the UK appears brighter than ever, driven by both governmental support and industry innovation. Frequently Asked Questions:* Q1: How much is the new EV grant? A1: The grant offers two levels: £1,500 and £3,750, depending on the vehicle's eligibility. * Q2: Which EVs are eligible for the grant? A2: Eligibility is based on factors like list price (under £37,000), being a new car, meeting technical standards (e.g., 100-mile range), and manufacturer commitments to Science Based Targets (SBTs). * Q3: Do I need to apply for the grant myself? A3: No, customers do not need to apply. Dealers and manufacturers handle the grant application and approval process. * Q4: Are manufacturer discounts the same as the government grant? A4: Manufacturer discounts are separate initiatives. Some mirror the government grant amount, while others are unique offers. They can be available for cars that may not meet the government grant criteria. * Q5: How long will the grant be available? A5: The grant is available until 31 March 2029, or until the £650 million fund is depleted. The government can amend the scheme without notice. * Q6: What is a Science Based Target (SBT)? A6: An SBT is a target set by a company to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions, verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) in line with climate science. * Q7: Can I get the grant for a used EV? A7: No, the grant is only applicable to new electric vehicles with no previous owners. * Q8: What if an EV's list price is slightly over £37,000? A8: If a model with the same battery/motor combination, but a different trim level, costs less than £37,000, the higher-priced model can still be eligible. * Q9: What are the warranty requirements for EVs to be eligible? A9: A minimum 3-year/60,000-mile warranty for the vehicle, and an 8-year/100,000-mile warranty for the battery and drivetrain are required. The battery warranty option must be extendable by at least two years. * Q10: Is it a good time to buy an EV now? A10: It might be worth waiting a little longer for more manufacturers to announce their eligible and discounted models to maximise savings and choice.
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