Thinking about going electric? That’s great and there’s more good news: The government’s just plugged in a fresh £650 million boost to make new electric cars more affordable with up to £3,750 off certain EV models. It’s the biggest move since the old Plug-in Car Grant disappeared in 2022, and it’s got people talking.
We think anything that nudges folks toward cleaner, greener driving is worth a closer look. But let’s break it down properly with no fluff, just facts, a bit of friendly guidance, and a peek at what real drivers are saying.
So, what’s the deal with the EV discounts?
The new scheme knocks between £1,500 and £3,750 off qualifying electric cars priced under £37,000. But it’s not a free-for-all. Only the greenest models, made in the most eco-friendly ways, get the top-end discount. The cleaner the build, the better the deal.
Importantly: you won’t need to apply. The discount will be applied automatically at dealerships once the scheme is live. Car manufacturers just need to get their models approved and that’s expected to start filtering through soon.
That sounds good… but what’s the catch?
We’re not here to sugar-coat it. While the headlines look promising, there’s a few bumps to be aware of:
- Price ceiling: EVs over £37,000 aren’t included. So Teslas, BMWs, and most premium brands are out.
- Prestige tax: Even if your EV just sneaks over the £40k mark, you’ll still pay the luxury car tax of £690 a year for 5 years. One respondent put it bluntly:
“A decent EV OTR price is over £40k so you’ll be stung by the prestige car tax. £690/yr, no thanks.” - Flat dwellers feel left out: Without a driveway, charging an EV can be tricky. One Londoner summed it up:
“They’d have to require landlords (at their cost) to install chargers for it to work for me.” - Used cars? Not touched. Many people don’t buy new cars, period.
“The government should have funded used EV incentives or zero-interest loans.”
We hear them. If you’re not in the market for a shiny new EV, this scheme won’t change your world overnight.
So what about EV charging?
Good question. The grant sits alongside £63 million for public chargers and £25 million for home installations. That’s a step in the right direction. But for now, the gap between home and public charging costs is still huge.
As one frustrated driver put it:
“If you don’t have a driveway, public charging costs 10× more than charging at home.” And that may not be worth the switch to EVS for some, for now.
We agree. Making EVs affordable means more than just lowering sticker prices. It means making charging fair, simple and accessible for everyone. We’d love to see some sort of price cap or credit scheme for those relying on public points.
Well, what does Yellowhite think?
We think the grant’s a decent start. It lowers the bar to entry and might finally help some of the more affordable EVs feel within reach especially models like the MG4 or Renault Zoe. And hey, anything that gets more electric cars on UK roads (without the jargon or faff) is a win in our book.
But the truth is: affordability isn’t just about list prices. It’s about tax, charging, availability and second-hand options too. We’d love to see wider support that helps everyone.
What should you do?
If you’ve been toying with the idea of switching to electric, this could be your moment. To take advantage of this new EV grant / discount, just keep your eyes peeled
- Look for EVs under £37k that’ll qualify for the grant
- Factor in annual running costs (especially if it’s over £40k)
- Check your charging options at home and nearby
- And if you’re not ready to switch yet? That’s fine too. We love the idea of EV and any cleaner energy, but the best solution is the one that suits your story.
Lastly, personalise your EV journey with a private plate! We’ve got thousands ready to go and we’ll handle all the faff. Just good value, proper help, and a plate that tells your story.
