Electric Car Grant 2025
Everything you need to know about the government's incentives for electric vehicles, including the Electric Car Grant (ECG).
Everything you need to know about the government's incentives for electric vehicles, including the Electric Car Grant (ECG).
In July 2025, the UK Government announced the reintroduction of grants to support the purchase of eligible electric vehicles (EVs). The scheme is designed to make EVs more affordable and encourage more drivers to make the switch from petrol and diesel vehicles to fully electric models.
As part of the Autumn Budget in November 2025, the government announced that the scheme would be extended until 2030.
This gives buyers several years to take advantage of the scheme, though availability will depend on both vehicle eligibility and overall demand.
The government has set ambitious targets for the UK's transition to electric transport. By the end of the scheme, it is hoped that at least 52% of new cars sold in the UK will be fully electric. Grants are one of several measures being used to support this transition, alongside charging infrastructure investment and broader sustainability goals.
You don't need to apply for the EV grant yourself. The manufacturer or dealership will apply for funding directly from the government, and the discounted price will be available at the point of sale.
Depending on the emissions generated, cars will fall into two bands. The most sustainably produced cars will be in 'band one' and will receive the full £3,750 discount. Cars which meet baseline environmental criteria will be in 'band two' and will receive up to £1,500 off. Vehicles priced under £37,000 that meet Science-Based Targets (SBT) for cutting emissions will qualify for the government grant. If a car's basic model is below £37,000, any pricier trim levels up to £42,000 may be eligible for the grant. No cars that exceed £42,000 will be eligible, regardless of the price and emissions of its most basic model.
Many manufacturers have responded by providing their own discounts and incentives, separate to the official government Electric Car Grant. You can view the full list of EV discounts here.
A voucher-based scheme, the WCS helps businesses install electric car charging points on their premises. It covers up to 75% of the installation costs, capped at £350 for each socket, for up to 40 sockets. To apply, you'll need to have a Companies House Registration Number, own the premises or have permission to install, and use an approved installer. You'll also need to ensure the voucher is issued before the final installation date as retrospective applications cannot be used.
With dozens of electric vehicles priced under £37,000, this new grant has the potential to make EVs more affordable than ever before.
The confirmed list of eligible cars will be out soon. And some manufacturers have already started their own offers in anticipation. If you're in the market for a new car, this might be the perfect time to go electric.
At Vertu, we've been selling and servicing EVs for years and are ready to help guide you through the process - from your first test drive to your recurring services.
There are still some grants available to help make electric cars more accessible and easier to own. These include grants and schemes to help with installing charging points which you can find more information on above.
Businesses can enjoy discounts in the form of a lower Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax rate of 2% with an electric car. Other exclusive discounts may be available on electric cars for 'blue light' workers such as those in the NHS, the military, or the police.
The government states that new electric cars will qualify for a 100% first-year allowance. This means businesses can deduct the full cost from their profits before tax during the first year. For more information, visit the government website
This depends on the specific grant. For instance, the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) is only open to flat owners or renters who have off-street parking. You can check your eligibility for an electric car grant on the government's website, where you'll find the full criteria.
Yes, you can. At Vertu, we're an Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) retailer, meaning we're well-placed to help you lease an EV for your business or expand your fleet.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your needs, and our expert team will be happy to help.
German designer Karl Benz develops a vehicle that is powered by a gas engine. The patent is regarded as the ‘birth certificate of the automobile’. Although revolutionary in its time, there were issues with stiff gears, loud mechanics and thick fumes.
Andreas Flocken creates the Elektrowagen – Germany’s first four wheeled electric car.
The first Porsche vehicle is built, the P1 (or more formally, the Egger-Lohner model C.2 Phaeto). It is electrically powered, with a top speed of 22mph and a range of approximately 49 miles.
Pedro Salom and Henry Morris develop the Electrobat. It is considered the first successful electric automobile; however, the large lead-acid battery and electric motors make it slow and heavy.
Walter Bersey introduces his fleet of electric taxis to the streets of London. The vehicles have a range which allows them to travel up to 50 miles between charges, making them ideal for getting around the city.
Ferdinand Porsche creates the world’s first hybrid electric vehicle, powered by a battery and a gas engine – it is called the Lohner-Porsche Mixte.
Henry Ford and Thomas Edison join forces to study how the technology of electric vehicles can be improved. Despite heavy investment, the inventors discover that it’s difficult to create a battery powerful enough for an everyday car. Production of the gas-powered Model T picks up, with a much lower cost compared to a battery electric equivalent. Subsequently, electric vehicles are put on the back burner.