Government Expands Electric Car Grant Scheme, Offers Discounts on Five More Models

Published: 16 August’ 2025. The English Chronicle Desk, English Chronicle Online

The UK government has extended its electric vehicle grant scheme, providing discounts on five additional car models as part of efforts to encourage a shift away from petrol and diesel vehicles. With the latest additions, 22 electric cars now qualify for grants, offering buyers price reductions of up to £1,500.

The newly included models are the Cupra Born, Volkswagen ID.3, and three Peugeot vehicles: e-208, e-2008, and e-Rifter. The discount represents roughly a 4 percent reduction for the Cupra Born, which is listed at £37,460, while the Volkswagen ID.3 is priced at £30,860. The Peugeot models range between £20,245 and £35,000, depending on the variant.

This move forms part of a broader £650 million investment designed to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles and reduce the nation’s carbon footprint. Government officials have also committed to expanding electric car charging infrastructure to support this shift.

Recent data from the DVLA shows that registrations of electric vehicles in the first quarter of 2025 were 43 percent higher than the same period last year, with more than 120,000 zero-emission cars registered between January and March. Electric vehicles now make up around 20 percent of all car registrations, marking a three percent increase from the previous year.

Despite these initiatives, critics have argued that the production of electric cars, particularly the mining of rare metals for batteries, can also have significant environmental impacts. Nevertheless, the government has reiterated its commitment to promoting electric vehicles as a key part of its green policy agenda.

This latest expansion follows a previous update in early August, when 13 new models, including cars from Nissan, Renault, and Vauxhall, were added to the scheme. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stated at the time that the government aims to make electric cars more accessible and affordable, while also fostering economic growth and job creation.