Hyundai Critiques Government EV Grant: A Call for Fairness in Electric Vehicle Market

The electric vehicle (EV) landscape in the UK has become a hot topic, especially with recent criticisms directed at the Government's Electric Car Grant (ECG). Hyundai, a prominent player in the EV market, has voiced its concerns that the ECG favors select manufacturers, thereby skewing competition while setting stringent sales targets for all brands. This discrepancy raises essential questions about fairness, sustainability, and the future of electric mobility in the UK.

What is the Electric Car Grant?

The Electric Car Grant is an initiative aimed at making EVs more affordable by providing financial incentives to buyers. However, recent revelations show that not all manufacturers qualify for this grant. Specifically, Hyundai has been unable to access these funds for any of its electric models due to not meeting the Science-Based Target (SBT) eco accreditation, a certification that is currently in progress.

Hyundai's Standpoint

Xavier Martinet, Hyundai’s European chief, articulated the stark realities posed by the grant during an interview. He stated, “It does disrupt the market. The inclusion of the SBT requirement is puzzling and it complicates things for manufacturers like us.” The rigorous nature of the accreditation process not only hampers Hyundai's ability to participate in the grant but also seems to impose an unrealistic expectation on automakers that are investing heavily in sustainable technology.

To mitigate the potential fallout from this exclusion, Hyundai has introduced its own internal