Best cars eligible for new electric car grant

The government’s new Electric Car Grant makes certain electric cars cheaper to buy, slashing the cost of selected models by as much as £3,750 at the point of purchase. The application process for manufacturers to be approved for the scheme is still ongoing, but the government has revealed the first wave of electric cars which are eligible. Due to the grant’s sustainability criteria most of the qualifying models are only eligible for the lower £1,500 rate, but every little helps. We’ve selected 10 of the best electric cars which just got more affordable.
For the confirmed list of cars which will receive a grant click here.

The Renault 5 gained so much attention when it first appeared as a concept, and impressively the production version lives up to the hype. Thanks to its combination of retro and modern styling, its usable driving range and its city-friendly proportions, the Renault 5 is a fantastic package and offers great value for money too. It was a deserving winner of the Erin Baker Award at the Autotrader Drivers’ Choice Awards this year. Now, Renault has confirmed the 5 will be eligible for the lower level £1,500 electric car grant – a cherry on top of a very appealing cake.
Find out more about the Renault 5 here

The Vauxhall Corsa offers a no-nonsense approach to going electric, with its reassuringly familiar looks and intuitive layout, it is a great option for any first-time EV owner. The Corsa may not have the French flair of the closely related Peugeot E-208, but does have sharp looks, and it is strong on value. Vauxhall’s Electric Streets campaign is aiming to make it easier for those without the luxury of off-street parking to make the switch to an EV. The Corsa qualifies for the £1,500 government grant which could help to seal the deal for a lot of potential buyers.
Find out more about the Vauxhall Corsa Electric here

Nissan has applied some substantial discounts to the Ariya to help it qualify for the £1,500 government grant. The Ariya is an all-electric SUV offering bags of space for the whole family. In 2024 it won Best Car for Long Distances as voted for by owners at our Awards and thanks to its price drop it now looks more appealing than ever.
Find out more about the Nissan Ariya here

We’ve already mentioned the Peugeot E-208 in passing, but this French hatchback deserves an entry of its own. The stylish E-208 has all the usual Peugeot hallmarks from the claw-like front lights to the ‘i-Cockpit’ driver display and tiny steering wheel. These unique features help it to stand out from the crowd and while the design won’t be for everyone, it certainly makes a bold statement. Historically the E-208 has looked a little pricy compared to its rivals, but its eligibility for the £1,500 government grant is sure to increase its appeal.
Find out more about the Peugeot E-208 here

The Ford Puma is the UK’s best-selling car and now there’s an electric version. This takes the Puma’s tried and tested formula and swaps out the engine for a battery. The Gen-E will feel reassuringly familiar to previous Puma owners helping to make the switch to electric as seamless as possible. Plus, the Puma Gen-E is one of the first cars to be eligible for the full £3,750 grant, so it’s an even more affordable package. In addition to an array of mod-cons and safety features the Puma Gen-E has a unique party trick in the form of a ‘Gigabox’ in the boot. This extra bit of storage is waterproof and even has a plug so you can hose it down for easy cleaning. Simple yet very effective.
Find out more about the Ford Puma Gen-E here

The Born puts a Spanish spin on VW ID.3 foundations by adding signature Cupra styling and sharper handling. While both cars have qualified for the £1,500 grant discount, it’s the sportier Born which makes our list because of how much we enjoyed living with one on long-term test. Our experience proved just how easily the Born could fit into our lifestyle and we think it would make a great option for any first-time EV owner.
Find out more about the Cupra Born here

Citroën was the first brand to confirm its six EVs priced under £37,000 would all receive a £1,500 government grant. The Citroën ë-C3 is the Fiat Grande Panda’s Gallic cousin and, true to form, it uses the same ingredients to create another well-priced compact EV. The interior is light and airy, while the ride quality is akin to driving around on a pillow thanks to Citroen's unwavering devotion to comfort. We love how it has a boxy SUV-like shape while maintaining relatively petite proportions. The ë-C3 is very French, very comfy and with the help of grant it's very affordable too.
Find out more about the Citroën ë-C3 here

If you like the Renault 5 but you need a tad more space, the Renault 4 is just for you. With equally distinctive looks, the Renault 4 has its own unique vibe and is slightly more focused on comfort than its smaller sibling. With a larger boot and more legroom in the back than the Renault 5, the Renault 4 would make a great little family car, with bags more character than most of its rivals. We are particularly excited about the wide canvas sunroof which will become available shortly, making the Renault 4 one of the few convertible EVs on the market. Like the rest of Renault's electric line-up, the Renault 4 will receive the £1,500 government grant.
Find out more about the Renault 4 here

The Vauxhall Mokka Electric is closely related to the Fiat 600e and Jeep Avenger. While the Jeep and Fiat have not yet been approved for the grant, the Vauxhall has had its £1,500 discount confirmed. Vauxhall has taken the same approach as it did with the Corsa Electric, so the battery powered Mokka keeps things simple and intuitive. For this reason, the Mokka Electric is a breeze to live with as we found out when we had one on long-term test.
Find out more about the Vauxhall Mokka Electric here

We love how Skoda consistently takes all the best bits from Volkswagen and manages to make them even better by adding distinctly Skoda touches. Most versions of the Skoda Elroq are now eligible for the £1,500 grant, so it’s more appealing than ever. While the Elroq may look a little dull compared to rivals like the Kia EV3 or the Renault Megane E-Tech, it certainly packs a punch when it comes to practicality – just watch Rory’s video if you don’t believe us. The Elroq is spacious, classy and the variant with the largest battery is good for up to 355 miles between charges, what's not to like?
Find out more about the Skoda Elroq here