Buying a new EV: the Electric Car Grant
Electric Car Grant (ECG)
£1,500 - £3,750Launched July 2025, replacing the old Plug-in Car Grant that ended in 2022. Applies to new battery electric cars priced under £37,000 (up to £42,000 for higher-spec trims of an eligible model). The discount is applied automatically by the dealer at the point of sale, no separate application needed.
Two bands depending on the manufacturer's sustainability credentials: Band 1 (£3,750) for the greenest-scoring models, and Band 2 (£1,500) for other eligible models. To qualify at all, the manufacturer must have a verified Science-Based Target for emissions, and the car must have at least 100 miles of real-world range and an 8-year or 100,000-mile minimum battery warranty.
Over 100,000 drivers used the scheme in its first year. Eligible models change as manufacturers get approved, examples at the time of writing include the Renault 5, Nissan Leaf, Ford Puma Gen-E, Fiat 500e, and Kia EV4 at the full £3,750, with models like the Skoda Elroq typically at the £1,500 band.
This does not apply to used EVs, only new ones bought from a participating dealer.
Installing a home charger: who actually qualifies
All open per-socket rates rose from £350 to £500 on 1 April 2026, roughly a 43% increase, and cover up to 75% of installation cost, whichever is lower. Applications for closed schemes are no longer accepted.
Frequently asked questions
Is there still a grant for buying an electric car in the UK?
Yes. The Electric Car Grant (ECG), launched July 2025, replaced the old Plug-in Car Grant that ended in 2022. It gives £1,500 to £3,750 off a new battery electric car priced under £37,000, applied automatically by the dealer, no application needed.
Can homeowners with a driveway get a charger installation grant?
No, not since April 2022. The home chargepoint grant now only covers renters, flat owners, and households with no off-street parking. Homeowners with their own driveway are not eligible for any current charger grant, only landlords installing for tenants, or workplaces.
How much is the EV charger grant in 2026?
Up to £500 per socket as of 1 April 2026 (raised from £350), for renters and flat owners, households with on-street parking only, residential landlords, and workplaces. Several other schemes, including the EV Infrastructure Grant for Staff and Fleets, closed on 31 March 2026.
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