Two cars have finally qualified for the Government’s full £3,750 electric car discount, with 28 models now confirmed to be receiving some kind of discount. Six new models have just been added to the Government’s Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme, which offers financial discounts on brand new EV purchases.
The Ford Puma Gen-E and Ford e-Tourneo Courier are the first to receive the full £3,750 discount, with four other vehicles to save up to £1,500. To qualify for a discount in the new £650 million scheme, cars must be priced below £37,000. Ford has listed the Puma Gen-E at £28,495 and the e-Tourneo Courier at £32,190, below the threshold for savings.
Ford UK Chair and Managing Director Lisa Brankin said: “We welcome the government’s decision to accelerate the transition to electric mobility and are proud that Ford’s commitment to sustainability has been recognised with the full EV grant.”
Alongside Ford’s additions, four cars have also been added to those benefitting from a £1,500 discount. Those purchasing a PEUGEOT E-308, PEUGEOT E-408, DS DS 3 and DS Nº4 will all receive the cash after completing a sale.
There was some concern the EV grant was having the opposite effect as dealerships suggested that drivers were holding off finalising deals until discounts were confirmed.
However, AutoTrader has now suggested the system is encouraging drivers to take a look at electric vehicles as a serious option, with price often the biggest barrier to adoption.
Ian Plummer, Commercial Director at AutoTrader, said: “The Electric Car Grant prompted the highest uptick in consumer demand for EVs in 3 years on Autotrader, and interest in cars priced below £37,000 almost doubled. Half of consumers say price is the biggest barrier to going electric, so it’s fantastic to see the first tranche of models qualify for the full £3,750 grant.
“With additional money off from both the industry, which has launched additional offers and grants and government, annual running costs savings of up to £1,500 and 9 in 10 EV drivers saying they wouldn’t go back, now’s a great time to consider going electric.”
