The UK government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) Reveals First Eligible Models
The UK government has announced the first cars to receive the new Electric Car Grant (ECG), with six models from Citroën making the list. These models include the ë-C3, ë-C3 Aircross, ë-C4, ë-C4 X, ë-Berlingo, and ë-C5 Aircross, all eligible for the £1500 grant. Among them, the ë-C3 stands out as one of the cheapest EVs on the market, with a reduced starting price of £20,595.
With the ECG in place, the ë-C3 now competes with rivals like the Fiat Grande Panda Elettrica and the BYD Dolphin Surf Boost, offering a more affordable option for electric vehicle buyers. Other Citroën models included in the grant are the ë-C3 Aircross, ë-C4, ë-C4 X, ë-Berlingo, and ë-C5 Aircross, with prices ranging from £21,595 to £32,565.
Unlike the previous Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG), buyers no longer need to register for the discount as the ECG is automatically applied to eligible EVs. The government has allocated £650 million of taxpayer funding to support the grant, with more models expected to be added to the list in the near future.
Transport secretary Heidi Alexander stated, “This summer, we’re making owning an electric car cheaper, easier, and a reality for thousands more people across the UK.” Citroën UK Managing Director, Greg Taylor, expressed delight at being the first to have their electric range approved and eligible for the grant.
To qualify for the grant, car manufacturers must meet emissions targets, with individual models starting below £37,000 in entry-level trim. The amount of discount a model receives is based on its environmental impact, considering factors like CO2 emissions during production and energy usage in assembly and battery manufacturing.
While any manufacturer can apply for inclusion in the scheme, it is noted that cars produced in Asian countries may not be eligible for the ECG due to specific criteria. More details on threshold levels and eligible models are expected to be released soon.
