£1500 Off Renault, Nissan, Citroën, and Vauxhall Electric Vehicles

The UK government has expanded the Electric Car Grant (ECG), adding 13 new models, including electric vehicles (EVs) from renowned manufacturers like Renault, Nissan, Citroën, and Vauxhall. Just recently, the government also included six Citroën models in the eligibility list.

What is the Electric Car Grant?

The ECG applies to certain electric cars priced at £37,000 or below. Discounts can be as high as £3750, depending on the vehicle's emissions output during production, as well as the manufacturing process of their batteries. Currently, the newly added batch has qualified for a £1500 discount, which is significant for some of the most affordable EVs available on the market.

Eligible Models and Their Prices

Here are the notable EVs that qualify for the £1500 discount:

• Renault 4: £25,495
• Renault 5: £21,495
• Alpine A290: £32,000
• Citroën e-C3: £20,595
• Citroën e-C4: £26,150
• Nissan Micra: £21,495
• Vauxhall Corsa Electric: £25,280

Highlights of the New Grant Application Process

Unlike the previous Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG), there’s no need for buyers to register for the ECG; the discount is automatically applied to the sale price of eligible models. This simplifies the purchasing process, making electric car ownership more convenient and affordable for potential buyers.

Manufacturer Insights

James Taylor, managing director of Nissan GB, praised the ECG initiative, stating that it signals a commitment to enhance the adoption of electric vehicles in the UK while providing consumers with more affordable options. He indicated that Nissan has new electric models arriving, including the electric Juke, Qashqai, and Leaf, which stand to benefit from this scheme.

Meanwhile, Citroën’s UK managing director expressed enthusiasm about the grant's potential to boost sales, marking a positive shift for manufacturers looking to expand their electric vehicle offerings.

Future Updates

While the government has not specified when additional models will be added to the ECG-eligible EV list, many models priced under £37,000—particularly those from Asia—may not meet the criteria due to their carbon footprint in manufacturing and export.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the grant's aim to make electric vehicle ownership more accessible to a wider audience, highlighting the initiative's environmental benefits.

With these developments, the future looks promising for electric vehicle enthusiasts and buyers alike as the market continues to adapt and expand.