Quick answer: The UK Electric Car Grant (ECG) gives buyers of approved new zero-emission cars a discount of up to £3,750 (Band 1) or £1,500 (Band 2). The selling dealer applies the grant directly; the customer does not complete a separate government grant application. Grant approval is model-specific, so a car being electric does not automatically make it eligible.
How much is the UK electric car grant in 2026?
The Office for Zero Emission Vehicles divides eligible cars into two bands. Band 1 has a maximum discount of £3,750, while Band 2 has a maximum of £1,500. The difference is tied to sustainability criteria for vehicle and battery production, not simply the advertised driving range or the brand’s retail price. A dealer’s additional discount is separate from the government grant.
The government’s scheme opened on 15 July 2025 and is currently scheduled to close on 31 March 2030, although rules, approved models and funding availability may change. Consult the official eligible vehicle list when placing an order rather than relying on an older promotional advert.
Which electric cars qualify for £3,750?
The government’s Band 1 list includes the Ford Puma Gen-E, Hyundai KONA Electric, Kia EV4, Nissan LEAF, Renault 4, Renault 5 (52 kWh), Fiat 500e and other specifically approved models. This is a selection, not the complete or permanent list. Eligibility can vary by version, price and approval status.
Which electric cars qualify for £1,500?
Band 2 examples on the official list include the Kia EV3, Ford Explorer, Peugeot E-208, Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Volkswagen ID.3 and Renault 5 (40 kWh). The two Renault 5 battery versions illustrate why shoppers should check the exact approved variant rather than assuming every version of a nameplate receives the same discount.
What is the £37,000 price rule?
As a general rule, the eligible vehicle must have a qualifying recommended retail price (RRP) of £37,000 or less. The government defines which mandatory costs and specification choices count toward that RRP. Certain versions within an approved interpolation family can qualify at an RRP of up to £42,000 under the technical rules, which does not mean there is a blanket £42,000 price cap. Optional equipment and dealer discounts can also be treated differently for eligibility and the final invoice.
For the definitive calculation, see the government’s vehicle eligibility guidance.
What are the minimum vehicle requirements?
An approved car must be an M1 passenger vehicle with zero tailpipe CO₂ emissions, a minimum 100-mile WLTP battery range, minimum vehicle and battery warranty conditions, and qualifying manufacturing sustainability credentials. The government requires a traction-battery warranty of at least eight years or 100,000 miles, whichever is reached first, along with specified battery capacity protection. These are eligibility requirements, not an assurance that every EV battery will perform identically.
How to claim the Electric Car Grant
- Check the exact car, battery and version against the official UK list.
- Ask the dealership to confirm grant eligibility for your planned vehicle specification and order date.
- Request an itemised quotation showing any dealer discount and the separate government grant.
- Confirm that the final purchase invoice shows the grant applied. The dealer handles the government claim.
The scheme covers eligible new cars registered in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. It does not apply to used vehicles simply because they are battery-electric.
Example: comparing two eligible EVs
Suppose a qualifying Band 1 car has an illustrative pre-grant transaction price of £30,000. A full £3,750 grant would reduce this to £26,250 before any other applicable fees. The same illustrative transaction price with a full Band 2 grant of £1,500 would become £28,500. These examples are calculations, not quoted prices for any named model, and actual discounts can depend on grant rules and an eligible order.
Before buying: check total ownership costs
A grant reduces the vehicle’s acquisition price but does not establish its insurance premium, charging cost or real-world range. Read our UK EV insurance guide and UK EV MOT rules before comparing offers. The grant should be one input into your overall running-cost calculation, not the only buying criterion.
Official verification
Primary references: GOV.UK eligible vehicles, ECG technical rules, and dealer portal guidance. Check the live government list for updates before purchase.
Sık Sorulan Sorular
Do buyers apply directly for the UK Electric Car Grant?
No. The seller includes the eligible grant as a discount in the purchase price and handles the claim.
Do all new electric cars qualify for £3,750?
No. Only government-approved cars in Band 1 qualify for up to £3,750; Band 2 cars qualify for up to £1,500.
Can a used electric car receive the grant?
No. The Electric Car Grant covers approved new cars at first registration, not ordinary used-car purchases.
