Two of Nissan’s electric cars – the all-new Micra and the Ariya SUV – have been confirmed as qualifying for the Government’s Electric Car Grant. The move makes the electric Micra one of the most affordable new EVs in Britain.
The sixth-generation Micra is closely based on the Renault 5 E-Tech, and is priced from £21,495 including the grant and offers up to 260 miles of driving range (WLTP). Buyers can choose from 40kWh or 52kWh battery options, with all versions benefiting from features such as Google Built-in and the NissanConnect Services app.
As a successor to a nameplate with over six million global sales, it blends affordability with the convenience of an electric city car. From Wednesday 13 August, revised range pricing will see the Ariya qualify for the £1,500 grant as well.
More Nissan EVs on the way
Later in the year, the British-built Leaf will return in third-generation form. Nissan expects it to qualify for the higher £3,750 level of the grant, although pricing is yet to be revealed. With both the car and its battery set to be made in Sunderland, the new Leaf will be a key part of Nissan’s electric push.
The current line-up will also expand in 2026 with a fully electric Juke, which will also roll off the Sunderland production line. Nissan GB Managing Director James Taylor said: ‘With the grant confirmed today, we are thrilled to see Micra and Ariya becoming even better value for our customers. We can’t wait to see the reactions of UK customers as they get to experience these exciting fully electric new cars.’
What this means for you
If you’re in the market for a new EV, the Micra now sits among the cheapest new electric cars you can buy, without skimping on range or kit. For urban drivers or those looking for an affordable second car, it’s a tempting new option.
For family buyers, the Ariya’s price cut makes it a more realistic alternative to petrol SUVs and more affordable against the class-leading Skoda Enyaq (which is already discounted). It also joins a growing list of bigger EVs now benefiting from the government scheme, which could help offset higher running costs.
The upcoming Leaf could be the real gamechanger. If it qualifies for the £3,750 grant and lands at the right price, it could tempt buyers previously put off by the cost of going electric.
Editor’s view: Alternative R5 now at a competitive price
This is exactly the kind of news we like to see – more real, meaningful price reductions on EVs that make them just a little more affordable. The Micra at £21,495 might be a Renault 5 in a party frock, but it has its own appeal, especially if you’re an existing Nissan customer. It’s also suddenly in striking distance of comparable petrol superminis, and that’s where the market needs to be if we want mass adoption.
The Ariya’s inclusion is a welcome bonus, as it’s an overlooked electric SUV with some genuinely stylish flair, but until now has been priced just a little out of reach for many. Knock £1,500 off and it starts to look a little more appealing against the more obvious opposition, and a sensible, forward-looking purchase rather than a luxury indulgence.
I see this as a big win for car buyers. It’s proof that government incentives, when well targeted, can move the needle. It will be interesting to see how many cars line-up for the government electric car grant.
Keith Adams – Editor, Parkers
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