Yesterday the UK Government announced immediate changes to the Plug-In car Grant, reducing the value to £2,500 and the number of models eligible. These changes have received much industry criticism, with suggestions the move will stifle the growth of EV sales as drivers are put off making the switch.
What’s changed?
The value of the grant has been reduced by £500 to £2,500 and is only available on cars under £35,000. The Office for Zero Emissions vehicles (formally OLEV) say this is to focus the discount on more accessible models. In the statement OZEV said the grant is now updated to “target less expensive models and reflect a greater range of affordable vehicles available, allowing the scheme’s funding to go further and help more people make the switch to an electric vehicle.
The plug-in car grant was introduced 10 years ago to stimulate the early market for zero-emission vehicles. Since 2011, the government has provided close to £1.3 billion in plug-in vehicle grant funding to bring ultra-low emission vehicles onto UK roads, supporting the purchase of more than 285,000 vehicles.
Is this change a good idea?
Manufacturers were not warned of this change and have unsurprisingly have not taken this decision well. Graham Hoare, chairman, Ford of Britain commented:
“Today’s news from the UK Government that plug-in grants for passenger and commercial vehicle customers are being reduced is disappointing and is not conducive to supporting the zero-emissions future we all desire.
For too long the price difference between petrol and electric models is has been too high, in some cases up to £10,000. This move by the government may see this gap narrow as car brands aim to make their models eligible for the grant. French carmaker Citreon has already reacted by reducing the price of their E-C4, in ‘Shine Plus’ trim, to bring the entire range under the £35,000 limit. Additionally, MG has committed to topping up the grant to £3,000 until March 31, 2021.
Here are 5 great electric cars that are still eligible for the £2,500 grant.
Renault ZOE – £27,495
The latest version of the chic ZOE offers a driving range on a single charge of up to 245 miles in a surprising spacious package. ZOE remains the best selling EV in Europe/
SEAT MII Electric – £20,300
A cut-price sibling of the Volkwagen E-UP! MII electric offers up to 161 miles of range with is a nippy, enjoyable drive. Don’t let the compact proportions fool you as there is space for 4 tall adults and boot larger than you imagined.
VW ID.3 Life – £29,170
The ID.3 is set to become the people’s electric car with ample range, interior space equivalent to the class above and all the kit you will ever need. Available in two motor outputs, either a 140 or 204PS, offering rear-wheel drive fun whilst providing up to 263 miles of range.
Hyundai Kona – £30,625
With a bold design, the recently revised Kona Electric offers a range of up to 189 miles of range with a raft of additional safety, connectivity and convenience features added as part of the face-lift.
MG 5 EV £24,495
The MG5 is currently the only pure electric estate car on sale in the UK. Offering a spacious interior and an impressive 214miles of range coupled with a 7 year warranty.
Prices quoted after grant deducted.
All driving ranges calculated using WLTP methods.
Here is the full list of eligible vehicles taken from the OZEV Website.
- Citroen ë-C4
- DS 3 Crossback E-Tense – Prestige
- DS 3 Crossback E-Tense – Performance Line
- Honda e
- Hyundai IONIQ Electric – Premium
- Hyundai KONA Electric (39kWh) – SE Connect
- Hyundai KONA Electric (39kWh) – Premium
- Kia e-Niro (39kWh) – 2
- Mazda MX-30
- MG MG5 EV
- MG ZS EV
- MINI Electric – Level 1
- MINI Electric – Level 2
- MINI Electric – Level 3
- Nissan e-NV200 (5 Seater) – Visia
- Nissan e-NV200 (7 Seater) – Visia
- Nissan Leaf (40kWh) – Acenta
- Nissan Leaf (40kWh) – N-Connecta
- Nissan Leaf (40kWh) – Tekna
- Peugeot e-208
- Peugeot e-2008 – Active Premium
- Peugeot e-2008 – Allure
- Renault ZOE
- SEAT Mii electric
- Skoda Citigo-e iV
- Skoda ENYAQ iV 60 Nav – Loft
- Skoda ENYAQ iV 60 Nav – Lodge
- Smart EQ fortwo
- Smart EQ forfour
- Vauxhall Corsa-e
- Vauxhall Mokka-e – SE Nav Premium
- Volkswagen e-Golf
- Volkswagen e-up!
- Volkswagen ID.3 Pro (58kWh 145PS) – Life
- Volkswagen ID.3 Pro Performance (58kWh 204PS) – Life