UK Drivers Get £1,500 Off New EVs as Government Pushes Affordable Green Motoring
UK Drivers have reason to celebrate this summer, with a £1,500 discount now available on select new electric vehicles, part of a major push by the UK government to make EV ownership more affordable and accessible.
The new Electric Car Grant (ECG), a £650 million government scheme, is officially underway. And the first batch of eligible cars has just been confirmed.
From today, drivers can knock £1,500 off the price of four Citroën electric models: the ë-C3, ë-C4, ë-C5 Aircross, and the ë-Berlingo. No forms. No hassle. The discount is applied automatically at the point of sale.
“This summer we’re making owning an electric car cheaper, easier and a reality for thousands more people across the UK,” said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
The announcement marks a turning point in the UK’s electric vehicle adoption. For many motorists, the price tag of EVs has been a sticking point. This move could finally bring prices closer in line with their petrol and diesel counterparts.
According to AutoCar, the Citroën ë-C3 starts at around £22,500, while the ë-C5 Aircross comes in at about £32,500. With the £1,500 reduction, those figures look a lot more appealing to everyday drivers.
The Electric Car Grant is part of a broader strategy. And it’s not just about lowering sticker prices. The government is investing heavily in infrastructure too.
Over 17,300 new public chargepoints have been added across the country since July 2024 – a 27% annual increase. That brings the total to over 82,000, with one new charger being installed every 30 minutes. The target? 100,000 public chargepoints shortly.
“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,” Alexander added.
EV owners stand to save more than just the purchase price. Running costs are lower too. On average, switching to electric could save up to £1,500 per year on fuel and maintenance.
For those without driveways, the government is also easing home-charging access, helping people use cheaper electricity tariffs and drive for as little as 2p per mile. A trip from London to Birmingham? Just £2.50.
Greg Taylor, Managing Director at Citroën UK, welcomed the scheme: “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.”
More vehicle approvals are expected over the coming weeks, widening the pool of options for UK drivers. In fact, new entries like the Nissan Micra Electric are also grabbing attention, adding more affordable and compact EV options to the UK market.
The ECG offers carmakers the ability to apply for discounts directly on qualifying models that meet high sustainability standards. More vehicle approvals are expected over the coming weeks, widening the pool of options for UK drivers.
This is just one pillar of a larger £4.5 billion investment plan into the UK’s green motoring future.
Alongside the grant, the government has frozen fuel duty until spring 2026, invested £1.6 billion into pothole repairs, and implemented the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate.
The mandate ensures that manufacturers steadily increase the proportion of zero-emission vehicles they sell each year.
Trade deals with key global partners, including the US, India, and the EU, are also expected to strengthen the UK automotive sector, protect jobs, and provide long-term stability to carmakers amid international economic pressures.
The message from Westminster is clear: electric cars aren’t just the future, they’re becoming the new normal.
And with these new discounts, UK Drivers may find now is the perfect time to make the switch.
