New Electric Car Grant: Toyota, Škoda & Stellantis Models Added

Hello, Champions of Net Zero!

Exciting news for electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers alike! The UK Government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) has recently expanded its offerings, adding seven new electric vehicles to the list of those eligible for financial support. This development not only makes it easier for drivers and fleets to transition to cleaner transport but also significantly reduces the upfront costs associated with purchasing an EV.

The latest additions to the ECG include models from renowned manufacturers such as Toyota, Škoda, Peugeot, Citroën, and Vauxhall. However, it is important to note that all seven of these new models qualify for the smaller Band 2 discount of £1,500. This is in contrast to the two standout models that currently enjoy the top Band 1 discount of £3,750. These premier models, the Ford Puma Gen-E SUV and the E-Tourneo Courier people carrier, are recognised for their sustainability credentials and are priced under £37,000.

Among the newly eligible vehicles are the Toyota Proace City Verso and the bZ4X, as well as the Peugeot e-Traveller, Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric, and Citroën ë-SpaceTourer, which all share a common platform as multi-purpose vehicles (MPVs). Adding to the excitement, the Škoda Elroq and Enyaq SUVs have also made the list, offering customers an immediate £1,500 discount on selected trims of these models.

For instance, the Škoda Elroq, which was launched earlier this year, is now accessible from £30,210 for the SE 50 variant, thanks to the ECG discount. Most variants in the Elroq range are eligible for the grant, with the exception of the high-end Elroq vRS. Moreover, Škoda has introduced a long-range variant, the Elroq SE L 85, which boasts an impressive 82kWh (77kWh usable) battery. This model delivers a remarkable WLTP combined driving range of up to 355 miles, all for a competitive price of £35,560 on the road (including the ECG discount).

The Škoda Enyaq, which debuted in 2021 as the brand’s first purpose-built electric vehicle, has also been updated. It remains the flagship battery electric vehicle (BEV) for Škoda, featuring a bold new design and enhanced performance and efficiency. Selected derivatives in the recently updated Enyaq range are eligible for the £1,500 ECG discount, further encouraging consumers to consider the switch to electric.

With these latest additions, a total of 35 models now qualify for the ECG scheme, which has received a substantial £650 million funding boost from the government. This expansion is already having a noticeable impact on the market, with recent data from Autotrader indicating a staggering 80% increase in interest for vehicles that qualify for the grant. In response to this growing demand, several manufacturers that have yet to qualify for the scheme, including Leapmotor, MG, and Hyundai, have initiated their own price reductions.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed the government’s commitment to making electric vehicles more accessible. She stated, “The ECG is slashing prices for consumers, putting thousands of pounds back into people’s pockets, while powering up growth and supporting jobs as part of our Plan for Change. By cutting upfront costs and boosting our charging infrastructure, we’re helping more people become EV owners, backing industry, and delivering on our promise to make the UK a clean energy superpower.”

Simon Williams, the head of policy at the RAC, also shared his enthusiasm regarding the recent developments. He remarked, “It’s exciting to see that after just seven weeks, 35 models are now eligible for the new Electric Car Grant. This will enable more people to make the decision to go electric. The grant is doubly positive as it not only incentivises manufacturers to adopt greener production lines but is also aimed at the more affordable end of the market, something we’ve been calling on the Government to do for some time.”

John Veichmanis, CEO at Carwow Group, added, “With more models now eligible, and ongoing investment in Britain’s charging network, this sends a clear signal to consumers that the transition to electric is accelerating. Greater certainty should help stimulate demand, boost competition, and keep prices down for consumers.”

As the landscape of electric vehicles continues to evolve, the inclusion of these new models in the Electric Car Grant scheme signifies a pivotal step towards achieving a greener future. With the Government’s commitment to sustainability and the automotive industry’s responsiveness to consumer demand, the path to electrification appears brighter than ever. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade your current vehicle, the time to consider making the switch to electric has never been more opportune.

Stay tuned to Net Zero News for further updates on electric vehicles, sustainability initiatives, and all things related to the transition to a net-zero future. Together, we can champion the cause of clean transport and contribute to a healthier planet for generations to come.