First car models Electric Car Grant unveiled

Four Citroën models qualify for £1,500 discount

The first eligible models eligible for electric vehicle grants were confirmed today by transport secretary Heidi Alexander.

Buyers can enjoy discounts of £1,500 off four Citroën models – the ë-C3, ë–C4, ë-C5 and the ë-Berlingo – from today. The discount will be automatically applied in the purchase of the vehicle and customers do not need to complete any paperwork.

The four models are the first to be approved for the discounts under the government’s new £650m Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme. The government funding available until the 2028 to 2029 financial year.

The ECG offers carmakers the chance to apply discounts at the point of sale for new eligible EVs. Discounts up to £3,750 will be available at the point of sale for new will be eligible electric cars priced at or under £37,000.

The  Electric Car Grant opened to applications from manufacturers last month. Guidance published by the Department for Transport advises manufacturers on how apply for inclusion in the scheme.

The grant is designed to help carmakers boost their sales, create jobs and drive investment in the face of global economic headwinds. The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate requires manufacturers to sell increasing percentages of zero-emission vehicles each year.

Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said: “With the first four models approved today and more to come over the next few weeks, this summer we’re making owning an electric car cheaper, easier and a reality for thousands more people across the UK.

“Once again we’re delivering our Plan for Change by standing firmly on the side of motorists and manufacturers, driving down costs for consumers, supporting jobs and putting money back in people’s pockets.

Greg Taylor, managing directo of Citroën UK: “We welcome the support of the Electric Car Grant and are delighted to be the first to have our electric range, including the New ë-C3, New ë-C4, New ë -C5 Aircross and ë-Berlingo, approved and eligible. At Citroën we want everyone to have the opportunity to make the switch to an electric car and this support will help make our cars more accessible for our customers.”

RAC head of policy Simon Williams said: {It’s great to see the first qualifying models announced for the government’s new Electric Car Grant. Not only does this mean more drivers will benefit from the lower cost of running an electric vehicle, but it’s hopefully the sign of more to come from other manufacturers in the weeks ahead. With nearly 1.6 million battery electric vehicles on the road already, it’s a real boost for the switch to electric.”