UK: More manufacturers offer EV subsidies ahead of ECG
To qualify for the £3,750 in subsidies, electric cars need to cost less than £37,000. That is a tangible requirement every consumer can work with and, according to The Electric Car Scheme, there are more than 40 models that would qualify for subsidies in terms of price. And the List is not complete
However, as we explained in this article, there are also several environmental factors that carmakers need to comply with. For instance, the environmental footprint of each vehicle based on its production lifecycle. The battery production location accounts for 70 per cent of the score, while the vehicle assembly location makes up the remaining 30 per cent. For that score to be calculated, manufacturers need to hand in a series of documents to the Department for Transport (DfT), which will then determine eligibility.
Needless to say, it will take a while until consumers benefit from the Electric Car Grant or at least know which EVs are eligible. As reported last week, a number of Chinese manufacturers, like Leapmotor, GWM, and MG Motor, already announced their own subsidies. Presumably, because they won’t qualify for the ECG, as China uses mostly coal to produce electricity, which will be reflected in the overall sustainability score. However, the list is growing.
Volvo Car
Volvo Car UK has introduced a £1,500 grant for customers purchasing the fully electric Volvo EX30. The electric SUV is produced in Belgium and starts at £33,060. The initiative applies to all new variants of the EX30, which is currently Volvo’s smallest-ever SUV.
Volvo states that it has applied for eligibility for subsidies under the ECG. It remains to be seen whether it will keep up its self-funded initiative once it receives the green light from the government.
Hyundai
Hyundai UK has launched the Hyundai Electric Grant, offering immediate savings across its fully electric vehicle line-up. The initiative provides £3,750 off the Hyundai Inster and £1,500 off other electric models, including the Kona Electric, Ioniq 5, Ioniq 6, Ioniq 5 N and the newly introduced Ioniq 9.
The grant is part of Hyundai’s strategy to support EV uptake by providing clear and direct financial incentives. The carmaker states that it applies to retail purchases and is available immediately.
Skywell
Skywell UK has introduced a £3,750 grant for its BE11 electric SUV range, alongside a £6,000 deposit contribution for customers financing through its dealer network. With both incentives applied, the BE11 72kWh Standard Range model, offering a WLTP range of 248 miles, is priced from £27,245. The 86kWh Long Range variant, with a range of up to 304 miles, starts from £30,245.
Like other carmakers, Skywell will apply for the ECG and the manufacturer notes that it is currently gathering the necessary documentation to meet those conditions. However, it expects that process to take several months.
“A number of caveats and requirements have been set by the Government before any vehicle is approved onto the new electric car grant scheme, which has left manufacturers, dealers and customers in limbo,” said David Clark, General Manager at Skywell UK. “We want to show UK customers that we fully support the shift to electrification.”
Great Wall Motor (GWM)
GWM UK introduced a £3,750 ‘Green Grant’ for its ORA 03 models, matching the government EV grant without waiting for approval for the ECG. GWM’s offer applies to PURE, PRO, and GT variants, bringing the entry-level model to £21,245 OTR with immediate availability and 0% APR finance options.
“We don’t believe our customers should have to wait for the government to decide which vehicles qualify for the EV grant. So, we’ve taken matters into our own hands and matched the £3,750 saving, available to everyone, right now, on our ORA 03 range,” said Toby Marshall, Managing Director at GWM UK.
MG Motor
MG Motor UK also introduced its own EV subsidies. It offers a £1,500 grant for private buyers of the MG4 EV and MG5 EV. The cars start at £36,495 and £28,495, respectively.
“MG has been a key contributor to the EV sector, consistently recognising the economic and environmental benefits of introducing a wide range of affordable, electric-only models. Today’s announcement underlines this commitment and in addition to this, we will also seek to work constructively with the Government to further increase the sale of EVs,” said Guy Pigounakis, Commercial Director for MG Motor UK.
Leapmotor
Leapmotor was the first Chinese EV maker to announce subsidies for its EV lineup in the UK. It offers buyers of the T03 and C10 electric SUVs savings of up to £3,750. The T03 is available from £15,995, while the C10 starts from £36,500. The Leap Grant, as Leaptmotor calls its rebate, covers £1,500 for the T03 and £3,750 for the C10.
The T03 is available from £15,995 OTR, while the C10 starts from £36,500 OTR.
Alfa Romoeo
The new Alfa Romeo EV Grant offers customers a £1,500 saving across all Junior models, including the Elettrica, Speciale, Intensa and Veloce. With the grant, the Elettrica costs £32,405 (£33,905 without); the Speciale, £34,205 (£35,705 without); the Intensa, £37,405 (£38,905 without); the Veloce, £40,805 (£42,305 without). Alfa Romeo UK says it will also offer a complimentary Ohme ePod or Home Pro EV to customers including installation. There will also be the option to offer a 3-year service plan for an additional £199.
Alfa Romeo UK Managing Director, Jules Tilstone, said: “To underscore the commitment Alfa Romeo has in making electrification more accessible we want to support customers with our EV Grant. Our entire fully electric Junior range is now more appealing than ever with this incentive, which along with our existing retail offers, will help encourage Britain’s drivers on their electric journey.”
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