Peugeot, Volkswagen and Cupra have announced the latest models to officially qualify for the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG). Some of the UK’s best-selling electric cars now attract the government-funded discount, which offers up to £3,750 off – although in this case, the maximum grant isz £1,500.
The scheme, which was launched in July, reduces the on-the-road price of eligible new battery-electric cars that meet strict efficiency and sustainability standards. Buyers can now choose from an expanding list of hatchbacks, SUVs and MPVs across three major brands – with discounts applied automatically at the point of purchase.
The Peugeot E-208, E-2008 SUV and E-Rifter MPV headline the French brand’s line-up, while Volkswagen has confirmed eight versions of its ID.3 hatchback also qualify. Cupra has followed suit, with its full Born range of V1, V2 and V3 models – in both 59kWh and 79kWh battery sizes – all eligible for the grant. Collectively, this means thousands of UK car buyers can benefit from immediate price reductions when choosing a new EV.
In addition, Peugeot is underwriting the grant early on models such as the new E-408, E-308, E-308 SW and E-Traveller, so customers can still take advantage of £1,500 savings ahead of formal government confirmation. Cupra is also sweetening the deal with its summer drive event, offering additional discounts, a heavily subsidised home charger, and up to 30,000 free miles from energy provider OVO.
What this means for you
The Electric Car Grant makes new EVs that bit more affordable at a time when household budgets are tight. With prices starting from £28,650 for a Peugeot E-208, £29,360 for a Volkswagen ID.3, and £34,190 for a Cupra Born, it helps close the gap between petrol and electric cars.
Because the grant is applied automatically at the point of sale, there’s no need for buyers to fill in forms or apply for a rebate – the discount is built into the invoice. That makes the process quicker, simpler and more transparent than many earlier schemes.
If you’re shopping for an EV, it’s worth comparing all the models that qualify. Our list of what cars are available on the Electric Car Grant will help you find the right deal at the right price.
Editor’s view: clarity is starting to emerge
This is exactly the sort of support the UK car market needs. EVs only really make sense from a consumer perspective when they’re priced competitively, and this grant takes a proper step towards levelling the playing field. With Peugeot, Volkswagen and Cupra all in the mix, buyers now have a real choice of accessible models.
I welcome anything that removes the faff. The fact you don’t need to apply, fill in forms or wait for money back makes the grant refreshingly straightforward. That’s how it should be – an instant saving, visible on the invoice, that makes it easier to say yes to an EV.
If you can charge at home, and the price stacks up, these grant-backed EVs are looking more appealing than ever. It’s disappointing that there aren’t any cars that attract the full £3,750 discount… yet. Let’s hope some of those emerge in the coming weeks and months.
Keith Adams – Editor, Parkers
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