New discounts on electric vehicles mark a significant step towards affordable EV ownership in the UK.
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Exciting news for UK drivers! Starting today, August 5, a new government initiative is rolling out a £1,500 discount on select electric vehicles (EVs). This program is designed to make owning an electric vehicle more affordable and accessible for thousands of people across the country.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced that the discount will automatically apply at the point of purchase for four eligible Citroën models: the ë-C3, ë-C4, ë-C5, and ë-Berlingo.
What You Need to Know About the Electric Car Grant
The Electric Car Grant (ECG) allows manufacturers to apply discounts directly at the point of sale for eligible EVs, making the buying process smooth and hassle-free—no paperwork required! But this initiative isn’t just about saving money; it’s part of a larger strategy aimed at boosting sales for car manufacturers, creating jobs, and attracting investment during these challenging economic times.
The UK government has earmarked a whopping £650 million in funding to support this effort through the 2028-2029 financial year.
In addition to the grant, the government is ramping up the public charging infrastructure. Since July 2024, more than 17,300 new charge points have been added, marking a 27% increase from the previous year and bringing the total to over 82,000 public charging points across the UK.
With this robust infrastructure in place, drivers can confidently make the switch to electric vehicles, which not only promotes job creation but also helps consumers save money.
Government Support and What’s Next
“With the first four models approved today and more on the way, we’re making owning an electric car cheaper, easier, and a reality for thousands more people across the UK this summer,” stated Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. This underscores how committed the government is to lowering costs for consumers while supporting the automotive industry.
Many potential EV buyers have been held back by high upfront costs, but these new discounts are changing the game. Now, the price of electric vehicles is becoming more competitive with traditional petrol and diesel cars. Plus, drivers who make the switch to electric could save up to £1,500 annually on fuel and maintenance costs. Who wouldn’t want to save that much?
Charging Infrastructure and Potential Savings
The UK government is also focused on improving charging options, especially for those without driveways. This includes plans to enable home charging at lower electricity rates, potentially slashing operating costs to as little as 2p per mile. Can you imagine? A trip from London to Birmingham could cost you just £2.50 in electricity!
The Electric Car Grant, which started accepting applications from manufacturers last month, offers discounts of up to £3,750. This is part of a broader initiative that includes a £63 million investment to enhance the UK’s charging infrastructure and a freeze on fuel duty until spring 2026, saving the average motorist around £59 each year.
Overall, the UK government is investing an impressive £4.5 billion into accelerating the shift to electric vehicles, positioning the nation as a leader in EV adoption. By 2024, the UK is set to become the largest electric vehicle market in Europe, with sales projected to jump by 20% compared to last year.
Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, welcomed the Electric Car Grant, stating, “We are thrilled to be the first to have our electric range approved and eligible.” This partnership between the government and the automotive industry is vital for driving the adoption of electric vehicles and ensuring a sustainable transport future in the UK.
