The UK government has reintroduced electric vehicle grants to help drivers save money on eco-friendly cars. Starting this week, buyers can get discounts of up to £3,750 on eligible electric vehicles (EVs).
Under the scheme, carmakers can apply for funding from Wednesday. The RAC expects discounted EVs to arrive in dealerships within weeks. The electric vehicle grants will apply to cars priced under £37,000, with the greenest models receiving the highest discounts.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the move, stating that the £650 million scheme will run for three years. Buyers will see the discount applied directly at the dealership, making EVs more affordable than ever.
Despite the incentives, many drivers worry about the lack of charging points. Currently, the UK has only 82,000 public chargers for 1.3 million EVs. To address this, the government has pledged £63 million to expand the charging network.
Steve Catlin, Vauxhall’s managing director, welcomed the electric vehicle grants but stressed that demand and infrastructure must improve. He noted that 40% of UK households lack driveways, making home charging difficult.
Some drivers remain hesitant. Jimmy Kim, a London resident, said EVs still don’t make financial sense due to long-term costs and depreciation. However, others, like Paul Cole, swear by their EVs. Cole saves money by charging overnight and using solar panels.
Meanwhile, political debates continue. The Labour Party argues that the push for EVs is premature, while the government insists the grants will help families save money while cutting emissions.
The UK first introduced electric vehicle grants in 2011 but scrapped them in 2022. Now, the program returns with a stronger focus on affordability and accessibility. With the 2030 petrol and diesel ban approaching, these discounts could accelerate the shift to cleaner transport. Will you take advantage of the new electric vehicle grants? Let us know in the comments!
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