Electric cars are becoming more and more popular – with sales up 23.9 per cent last year – as buyers reap the cost, environmental and driving benefits of buying an EV.
Running costs are swaying it for many buyers, especially if you’re able to charge using a specialist low-rate EV-friendly tariff. EV prices are also coming down fast, too, as more affordable electric models launch and the technology gets cheaper, while maintenance costs are also lower.
Introduced in July 2025 as part of the government’s wider Plan for Change strategy, the grant aims to slash up to £3,750 off the price of qualifying new electric cars. The scheme, backed by billions in funding and extended in last November’s budget, is designed to close the gap between the upfront cost of EVs and their petrol or diesel equivalents – a key barrier cited by drivers reluctant to switch.
New cars are being added to the list of cars eligible for the ECG on a regular basis with the new Nissan Micra (in 52kWh battery form) joining eight other cars that get the higher rate £3,750 discount. The new Micra is based on the new Renault 5 E-Tech, which – with its larger battery – also gets the £3,750 along with the new Renault 4.
A total of 39 other models – including the Micra and Renault 5 with a smaller 40kWh battery – are eligible for the lower, but still worthwhile, £1,500 ECG discount.
