Ford has become the first manufacturer to secure the UK Government’s full £3,750 Electric Car Grant (ECG), with the Puma Gen-E and E-Tourneo Courier both qualifying. The award recognises Ford’s sustainability credentials and means buyers can access the savings directly at dealers without extra paperwork.
The Puma Gen-E is the electric version of Britain’s best-selling car, and with the grant applied it now starts from £290 a month on Ford Options finance. That makes it £34 a month cheaper than its petrol equivalent. Buyers also benefit from the Ford Power Promise, which includes a free wall charger worth £899, five years of free servicing and roadside assistance, plus up to 10,000 miles of complimentary charging.
According to Ford’s figures, the average driver could save around £127 a month compared with a petrol Puma. This takes into account the grant, lower fuel costs, free charging and servicing. Charging is further supported by the Intelligent Octopus Go tariff, which allows overnight charging for 7p per kWh – meaning a full charge can cost as little as £3.23.
Lisa Brankin, Ford UK Chair and Managing Director, said: ‘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. With a £3,750 saving available on the Puma Gen-E plus the convenience of the Ford Power Promise, we’re helping to make the switch to electric simpler, more affordable and more rewarding.’
What this means for you
If you’re thinking about switching to an electric car, the Puma Gen-E’s new pricing could tip the balance. It’s now cheaper to finance than the petrol equivalent, while also offering lower running costs.
You also get a free wallbox, servicing, breakdown cover and charging credit bundled in, making the ownership experience easier and less risky. This is particularly attractive if you’re nervous about taking the plunge into EVs.
Finally, Ford’s strong dealer network means you won’t be left without support. With the Puma already a familiar sight on UK roads, this move should make the electric version a mainstream choice rather than a niche option.
Editor’s view: I was beginning to think £3,750 was impossible!
This feels like the real start of the government Electric Car Grant, with the Puma getting the full £3,750. I actually started to think that no one was going to qualify as is, and we’d have to wait for the new Nissan Leaf. Still, here we are, and it’s great news for Ford.
The Puma is already Britain’s most popular car, and as well as getting all the dosh, making the electric version cheaper to run than petrol is a milestone moment. I’ve long argued that EVs need to make financial sense for ordinary drivers, not just early adopters, and we could well be there now. The Puma Gen-E’s monthly costs are lower, and the ownership package is looks tempting.
I’ll never stop enjoying the smell of petrol, but there’s no denying the direction of travel. If grants like this make EVs genuinely cheaper and easier to live with, then buyers are the real winners. Let’s see how it affects the overall market, and future resale values.
Keith Adams – Editor, Parkers
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