Government-backed discounts aim to close the price gap between petrol and electric, with Ford’s new EVs leading the charge.
In a significant move to make electric vehicles more wallet-friendly, the UK government has expanded its Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme—offering drivers up to £3,750 off eligible EVs priced under £37,000. The newly introduced incentive has already sparked a noticeable uptick in buyer interest, especially with Ford’s Puma Gen-E and e-Tourneo Courier now topping the list of qualifying models.
Backed by a £650 million fund, this initiative is part of the UK’s broader push to phase out petrol and diesel-only vehicles by 2030. And it’s not just a symbolic gesture—industry experts say this could be a real tipping point for everyday motorists.
Electric Cars Just Got Cheaper—Much Cheaper
Let’s talk numbers. Ford’s Puma Gen-E, which usually retails at around £29,905, now effectively costs just over £26,150 with the grant applied—nearly matching the price of its petrol-powered counterpart. Similarly, the e-Tourneo Courier, with a list price of £32,190, becomes far more appealing with the £3,750 markdown.
But Ford isn’t alone. A total of 28 electric models now qualify for the scheme. While only two get the full £3,750 discount, 26 other EVs are eligible for £1,500 off, making electric mobility a little more accessible for thousands of potential buyers.
Here are some of the newly added names under the £1,500 tier:
- Peugeot E-308, E-408
- DS 3, DS Nº4
- Volkswagen ID.3
- Citroën ë-C3, ë-C4, ë-C5 Aircross
- Nissan Ariya
- Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Mokka Electric
- Renault Megane, Scenic
“We’re putting money back in people’s wallets,” said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, emphasising how these grants aim to reduce the upfront cost barrier—long seen as the biggest hurdle to EV adoption.
What’s the Catch?
To qualify for the grant, EVs must meet a few key conditions:
- Price cap: £37,000 or less (RRP)
- Automatic discount: Applied at the point of purchase
- Eco-efficiency: Only the greenest, most efficient models are eligible for the full £3,750
In other words, not every shiny electric car on the lot will get you that full discount—but many of the most practical, everyday commuter EVs will.
Why This Matters
According to data from AutoTrader, as of June 2025, the average price of a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) in the UK stood at £49,790—a full £15,500 more than the average petrol car. With this price gap looming large, the government’s move is a deliberate step toward levelling the playing field.
And it’s working. Since the announcement, AutoTrader has reported an 80% increase in traffic on listings for eligible EVs. According to Ian Plummer, AutoTrader’s Commercial Director, “This is the largest spike in EV interest we’ve seen in over three years.”
A Step in the Right Direction—But Not the Final Destination
While the grant is certainly a boost for EV adoption, challenges remain. Charging infrastructure, particularly in rural areas, still lags behind. As of mid-2025, the UK boasts just over 82,000 public charging points, a figure that must dramatically rise if the country hopes to support its growing EV fleet.
Moreover, critics from within Parliament have raised eyebrows at the cost of the grant. Some conservative MPs argue that taxpayer funds could be better allocated, especially during times of economic strain.
Still, Edmund King, President of the AA, believes this is precisely the kind of push needed to tip undecided buyers. “People want to go electric,” he said. “They just need help getting there.”
The Bottom Line
With petrol bans looming and climate goals tightening, the UK’s expanded EV grant program is a well-timed catalyst. Whether you’re eyeing a sleek new ID.3 or a budget-conscious Puma Gen-E, the savings just became too good to ignore.
If you’re considering the switch, now might be the perfect time to make the change.
For more information about the Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme, please visit their official website.
👉 Please 📩SUBSCRIBE to us for more real-world EV analysis, news, and deep dives — written for EV fans by EV fans.
Hey, I’m Badal! I’m super passionate about cars—especially electric ones. Whether it’s EVs, electric trucks, bikes, or anything with a battery and wheels, I’m all in. I love writing blogs and articles that break things down for fellow enthusiasts and curious readers alike. Hope you enjoy the ride as much as I do!
