Electric Car Grant Update: Citroen's First Models Revealed

The UK government has unveiled the initial lineup of electric vehicles (EVs) benefiting from the new Electric Car Grant, but the revelation comes with a surprise: none of the six approved models are eligible for the maximum £3,750 discount.

Citroen’s EV Line-Up

Citroen’s offerings comprise of:

• Citroen e-C3 supermini
• Citroen e-C3 Aircross SUV
• Citroen e-C4 family hatchback and e-C4 X coupe
• Citroen e-C5 Aircross SUV
• Citroen e-Berlingo MPV

Each model will receive a £1,500 rebate, reducing the price of the Citroen e-C3 to £20,595. Meanwhile, the e-C5 Aircross will be priced starting from £32,565.

Government Initiative

Citroen's UK managing director, Greg Taylor, expressed optimism regarding the Electric Car Grant, stating, “We welcome this support and are thrilled to have our electric range approved for eligibility.” This initiative aims to make electric vehicles more accessible to consumers, promoting the transition to electric mobility.

The discount will be automatically applied at the point of sale, allowing buyers to benefit without any additional steps. Citroen also continues to offer competitive finance options, including interest-free credit plans with a 20% deposit over a 24-month term.

Concerns Over Grant Eligibility

Despite the announcement being largely positive, it raises concerns about the limited number of cars qualifying for the highest level of government incentives. Expectations were that vehicles produced in the UK and Europe would secure significant discounts. However, the current list prompts questions about the government's criteria for awarding grants.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander reassured potential electric vehicle owners, stating, “With the first models approved today and more to come in the following weeks, we are making electric car ownership cheaper and more attainable for thousands across the UK this summer.”

Conclusion

The rollout of the Electric Car Grant marks an exciting step for Citroen and consumers looking to switch to electric vehicles. However, the limited discounts on these new models pose challenges that highlight the need for broader eligibility criteria. The future remains hopeful as more models are expected to be announced soon.