Skywell has launched its own electric car incentive, offering £3,750 off the price of its BE11 electric SUV. The move comes in response to delays in the announcement of the Government’s new Electric Car Grant scheme, which has yet to be rolled out to customers or approved by many manufacturers.
Until the end of September, buyers of the Skywell BE11 can take advantage of the brand’s £6,000 finance deposit contribution alongside the new £3,750 EV support package. Combined, this reduces the entry price of the Standard Range 72kWh model to £27,245, while the Long Range 86kWh version drops to £30,245.
Although Skywell’s 72kWh BE11 is priced within the Government’s proposed £37,000 cap, the manufacturer says it is still waiting to gather and submit the documentation needed for eligibility. In the meantime, it is taking action to support retail buyers and build confidence.
The Government’s Electric Car Grant is expected to be based on a vehicle’s compliance with environmental targets during production, assessed through the Science Based Targets initiative. Skywell says these requirements add complexity and delay, making short-term action necessary.
Skywell’s UK general manager, David Clark, said: ‘We want to start this process immediately, but we must first gather all the required documentation from Skywell, which could take many months. Consumers need confidence and definitive answers, and we should not subject them to further delays.’
Rosy He, Skyworth’s global sales director, added: ‘We want to show UK customers that we fully support the shift to electrification. We also want to remove barriers for UK retail buyers, including the Government’s price cap, which excludes our Long Range model from the scheme.’
What this means for you
If you’re looking for a large electric SUV on a budget, Skywell’s latest offer is one of the most aggressive on the market. A combined £9,750 in incentives puts the BE11 in the same price bracket as much smaller electric hatchbacks.
More importantly, it gives buyers certainty. It’s also a sign of intent from a relatively new player. Skywell and parent company Skyworth are clearly serious about competing in the UK, and buyers could benefit as they build awareness and share.
As for the car itself, the BE11 is a five-seat family SUV offering up to 304 miles of WLTP driving range, rapid charging from 20-to-80% in 36 minutes, and a high level of standard equipment. This includes a panoramic Skyroof, 12.8-inch infotainment display, 360-degree parking camera, and a seven-year/100,000-mile warranty – and although it’s a long way away from being at the sharp end of the electric family SUV grid, but the more attractive pricing certainly makes a difference.
Editor’s view
I applaud Skywell for taking proactive steps while the Government gets its act together. The brand could have waited, but instead, it’s stepped up with a chunky, real-world saving for buyers. That kind of decisiveness is refreshing.
The BE11 is a smart-looking SUV with a huge interior and plenty of tech, but it’s a mountain to climb, not least because it’s not actually that good. However, punchy pricing makes a difference, which might just be enough to tempt cautious UK buyers into a new Chinese brand. Whatever, the price drop is definitely a step in the right direction.
Electric car buyers have had a rough ride this year, with policy U-turns, scrapped grants and shifting rules. For once, here’s a bit of good news. More power to them.
Keith Adams – Editor, Parkers
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