EV grants are back: Get up to £3,750 off an electric vehicle

2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting years for electric cars. Better tech. Better range. Better price. And now? A brand new grant to help you get behind the wheel.

Buyers are spoilt for choice from established names like BMW and Audi, to fresh-faced electric-only brands like Polestar and BYD. Whether you're after a compact city runabout, something with boot space for the kids and the dog, or a head-turning design statement, there’s an EV with your name on it. Not only are there more models than ever to choose from, but buying one is about to get a lot more affordable for many people.

Leaps in battery technology mean that modern EVs easily cover daily commutes and beyond (fears about getting stranded are definitely a thing of the past!). With affordable new models hitting the market plus the new government grant, the myth that EVs are expensive or impractical is officially busted. If you thought EVs were out of reach or complicated, 2025 is here to prove you wrong.

The new electric car grant: what you need to know

The UK Government has announced a brand new £650 million Electric Car Grant (ECG) to make electric vehicles more accessible. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed that the scheme will provide up to £3,750 off the cost of some new electric cars priced under £37,000 right at the point of purchase - so there's no need to claim anything back later.

The grant is aimed at lower-income households to make switching to an electric vehicle more affordable. It’s part of the government’s wider plan to cut carbon emissions and support more people in moving away from petrol and diesel cars. While we’re still waiting for the final details on who’s eligible and which cars will be included, this could open the door for thousands of people who’ve previously felt priced out of the electric market.

“The introduction of the £3,750 government grant is a key moment for the UK’s electric vehicle market. It’s a clear signal that going electric is not only the future but a practical, accessible choice for everyday drivers. This grant will help break down barriers, making EV ownership achievable for a wider range of people, and accelerating the shift towards cleaner, greener transport. At evec, we’re proud to support this transition by providing affordable, reliable home charging solutions that empower new EV owners from day one.” – Tom Bloor, Managing Director, evec.

When does the grant come into effect?

The grant launches on Wednesday 16^th July 2025 – full details will follow.

How much can I claim?

The ECG will have two bands based on how green the vehicle is, measured by science-based targets (aligned with the Paris Agreement):

• Band 1: Save up to £3,750
• Band 2: Save up to £1,500

Which cars qualify?

Only EVs under £37,000 will be eligible. And they must meet certain Science Based Targets (SBT) set by the government.

While we’re still waiting on the final list, major brands like VW Group and Renault have already committed to the scheme with more expected to follow. That includes potential favourites from Skoda, SEAT, and more.

Our favourite electric cars under £37,000

While we wait for the full eligibility list, here are some of the top contenders we’re excited about - all priced under £37,000 and loaded with range, tech and style:

Vauxhall Corsa Electric YES

Range: Up to 221 miles

Cost: Starting from £26,895

Colours: Record Red, Artic White, Carbon Black, Graphite Grey

Our rating: 4/5

Let's start with the sporty city car, the Vauxhall Corsa YES.  This electric upgrade to the classic Corsa is hit the streets in Spring 2024, with a 221-mile range that is suited for driving about town and running errands without worrying about running out of charge. Starting at a very reasonable price (we're talking around £26,895), the Corsa YES is a great option for first-time EV drivers or those looking for a wallet-friendly electric car. Plus, drivers—well, most drivers—will be able to easily manoeuvre into those tight city parking spaces thanks to its compact size.

Pros:

• Affordable price tag
• Compact size for easy manoeuvring into tight city parking spots!

Cons:

• Lower range (221 miles)
• Limited space due to its compact design

Renault 5 E-Tech

Range: Up to 248 miles

Cost: Pricing hasn't been officially announced, but rumours suggest a starting price around £23,400

Colours: Pop Yellow, Pop Green, Midnight Blue, Arctic White, Diamond Black

Our rating: 5/5

Renault brings back a beloved icon with a modern twist. The 100% electric Renault 5 E-Tech retains the car's signature retro design, but adds a future-proof electric drivetrain. Cruising past petrol stations won't be a problem with a projected range of 248 miles, making it desirable for city commutes and even weekend getaways. With its wide colour choice and low starting price, we expect that this one will be a favourite among buyers.

Pros:

• Iconic retro design
• Affordable starting price
• Wide variety of colours to choose from

Cons:

• Limited range (248 miles)

Citroën ë-C4 X

Range: Up to 260 miles

From: £23,095

Colours: Perla Nera Black, Elixir Red, Iceland Blue, Pearl White

Our rating: 4/5

The ë-C4 X brings a touch of French flair to the EV market. Its smooth ride and comfort-first design make it perfect for commuters and families alike. Expect clever storage, premium touches, and a decent range.

Pros:

• Comfortable ride
• Spacious boot
• Unique fastback shape

Cons:

• Not very quick
• Smaller range with limited battery

VW ID.3

• Range: Up to 369 miles
• Cost: Starting from £30,860
• Colours: Grenadilla Black Metallic, Scale Silver Metallic Black, Glacier White Metallic Black, Costa Azule Metallic Black, Moonstone Grey Black, Dark Olivine Green Metallic Black, Kings Red Premium Metallic Black.
• Our rating: 3/5

 The ID.3 is VW’s answer to the everyday electric car. With its minimalist interior and whisper-quiet ride, it’s ideal for growing families or those upgrading from a petrol hatchback. The longer-range version delivers up to 369 miles, which is more than enough for UK road trips or the weekly commute. However, you’ll need to opt for the higher-spec models to unlock that range, which pushes the price up. Still, it's a strong all-rounder with room to personalise.

Pros:

• Spacious and customisable interior
• Impressive range (369 miles)

Cons:

• Pro S and GTX models are pricey

 

BYD Dolphin Surf

Range: Up to 354 miles

Cost: Starting from £45,695

Colours: Lime Green, Ice Blue, Apricity White, Polar Night Black

Our rating: 3/5

This stylish city-friendly hatchback from BYD is making waves in the UK thanks to its impressive spec, smart interior and eye-catching looks. The Dolphin Surf trim packs in a lot for the price, including a solid 265-mile range, a heat pump, wireless phone charging and a rotating 12.8” touchscreen. It’s also backed by a lengthy manufacturer’s warranty, making it a reassuring choice for first-time EV buyers.

Pros:

• Excellent value for money – one of the cheapest new EVs on sale today!
• Premium features for a budget-friendly EV
• Long manufacturer’s warranty

Cons:

• Infotainment is reported to not be intuitive
• Heavier than rivals, which impacts its performance

Goodbye range anxiety. Hello affordability.

The latest generation of electric vehicles isn't just more efficient, they’re smarter, safer, and easier to slot into your lifestyle than ever before.

• Ranges now comfortably hit 200–280+ miles
• Prices are falling (even before the grant!)
• Charging is faster and more accessible across the UK
• There’s more choice than ever before

The road ahead

These five EVs offer just a glimpse of what 2025 has in store – with models to suit every budget, lifestyle, and driving need. With a potential government grant slashing upfront cost, and affordable home charging putting you in control, there’s never been a smarter time to make the switch to electric. And wherever your next journey leads, we’ll be here to keep you fully charged.

Charge up your new EV at home

One of the biggest advantages of owning an electric car is the ability to charge your car at home. This offers a number of benefits over public charging stations, including:

Get support for installing your home EV charger with OZEV

Making the switch to electric is easier when you can charge your car conveniently at home. The UK government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers a grant to help with the cost of installing a home EV charger. Eligible homeowners and renters can receive up to £350 off installation costs, provided they have off-street parking and use an OZEV-approved installer (like those we partner with). This support is designed to make home charging more accessible and affordable, helping you maximise the benefits of owning an electric vehicle from day one. Check your eligibility on the government website or get in touch with us for personalised guidance.

1. Enjoy the convenience of starting the day with a fully charged car, ready to go. With a home charger, you can save the extra trip to a public charging station and top up your battery overnight.
2. Home charging typically costs less than using public charging stations. In fact, you can save up to £2,000 a year by charging at home*!
3. Charging at home gives you more control over your charging schedule (use off-peak electricity tariffs to save even more money!).

 

By installing a home EV charger, you can make the switch to electric driving even more convenient and affordable. Contact us today to learn more about our home charging solutions: https://evec.co.uk/contact-us/

 

FAQs

Q: Who qualifies for the 2025 EV grant?
A: The grant is aimed at helping lower-income households afford a new electric vehicle. While the government hasn’t published the full eligibility criteria yet, it’s expected to be income-based. As soon as we know the full list of who qualifies, we’ll update this page.

 

Q: Are second-hand electric cars eligible for the grant?
A: As of now, the grant only applies to new electric vehicles purchased after 16th July 2025. Second-hand EVs are not currently eligible, but keep an eye out, as the government may expand the scheme in future.

 

Q: Can I use the grant on any electric car?
A: No. The Electric Car Grant only applies to fully electric cars under £37,000 that meet strict environmental criteria set by the government (based on emissions and efficiency). Hybrids and plug-in hybrids are not included. Popular affordable models from brands like Renault, Citroën, VW, and Vauxhall are expected to qualify. A final approved list of vehicles is expected shortly.

 

Q: Do I need to claim the grant myself?
A: Good news! There is absolutely no paperwork needed. The grant is automatically applied by approved car dealers at the point of sale. You’ll see the discount reflected in your invoice. Simple.

 

Q: How far can an electric car go?

A: Most new EVs now go 200–300+ miles on a single charge — some even further. That’s Manchester to London without needing to plug in. That’s more than enough for your daily commute, the school run, and even a weekend away — all without worrying about running out of charge. In fact, electric cars are now comparable to petrol cars when it comes to range. 

Q: How much can I save with a home EV charger?
A: A lot! Charging at home using off-peak electricity tariffs can save you up to £2,000 a year compared to relying on public charging stations. The more you drive and charge at home, the more you save.

 

Q: Are home chargers easy to install?
A: Yes! Most installations are quick and hassle-free, especially if you’ve got off-street parking. At evec, we’ve got a UK-wide installer network and expert support team ready to guide you through the process. We'll help you pick the right charger, get it installed, and set you up for smart, affordable charging from day one.

 

Q: Can I get help with the cost of installing a home charger?
A: Yes — the government’s Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) offers grants to make home charging more affordable for certain drivers.

If you rent your home or live in a flat, you could be eligible for the OZEV grant, which provides up to £350 off the cost of installing a home charger.
Landlords can also apply for support when installing chargers for tenants or across multiple properties. You can check your eligibility on the official government website, or just get in touch with us and we’ll point you in the right direction.

 

Q: Is charging an EV really cheaper than petrol?
A: Absolutely. Even with rising energy prices, EVs are still cheaper to run than petrol or diesel cars. This is epecially true if you charge at home during off-peak hours. With the added bonus of lower maintenance costs (no oil changes or exhausts to fix), switching to electric can lead to huge long-term savings.