The UK government has just relaunched its Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme—offering generous discounts of up to £3,750 on qualifying new electric vehicles. This is a rare opportunity to make going green even more affordable.
Scheme Overview
- Launched: 16 July 2025
- Funding: £650 million, running through 2028/29
- Eligibility: EVs priced at or below £37,000 RRP
- Grants:
- £3,750 (Band 1) for the cleanest, most sustainably produced models
- £1,500 (Band 2) for vehicles meeting baseline criteria
- £3,750 (Band 1) for the cleanest, most sustainably produced models
Who Qualifies?
Eligible vehicles must:
- Be new EVs under £37k, not hybrids
- Meet zero tailpipe emissions and have a minimum battery range (~100 miles)
- Be built by manufacturers with verified Science-Based Targets (SBTi) on emissions
Vehicles assembled in regions with carbon-intensive energy grids—such as many Chinese‑made models—are likely to be excluded.
Which Cars Could Qualify?
While official eligibility will be confirmed by 11 August 2025, early reports suggest up to one-third of EV models may qualify—especially popular European brands like Renault, Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, and MG.
Examples of vehicles likely to qualify based on list data include:
- Renault 5
- Renault Scenic E‑Tech
- Fiat 500e
- Fiat Grande Panda
- Peugeot e‑208
- MG4
- Volkswagen ID.3
- Hyundai Inster
- Ford Puma Gen‑E
What It Means for You
Many employees can stack ECG grant savings with salary sacrifice deals for significant total budget reduction.
Why Add an EV Charger with Your Solar + Battery System?
At Solar Voltaics, we recommend adding a smart EV charger as part of a broader solar + battery install. Here’s why:
- Complete energy system: Seamless integration between solar panels, home battery, and EV charger optimises self-consumption of renewable energy.
- Smart load balancing: Our preferred chargers, like the Myenergi Zappi or GivEnergy EV charger, manage power flow intelligently from solar arrays and batteries.
- Cost and admin efficiency: Including the charger in the same installation avoids duplicate site visits and paperwork.
- Focused expertise: We prioritise integrated projects to maintain service quality and manageability, standalone charger installs add administrative complexity for little gain.
What Should You Do Next?
- Explore eligible EVs: Review available Band 1 and Band 2 vehicles under £37k from brands meeting sustainability criteria.
- Shop or lease smart: When you purchase or lease through qualified dealers, the ECG discount will automatically apply.
- Contact us at Solar Voltaics: If you’re planning solar + battery upgrades, ask about adding an EV charger to your system during consultation. We’ll help you select the best compatible charger and handle integration seamlessly.
Final Thoughts
The Electric Car Grant makes going electric more attainable, especially when combined with salary sacrifice schemes. Whether you choose a Band 1 or Band 2 EV, you can benefit from immediate price reductions and long-term savings on fuel and maintenance.
Combine this with Solar Voltaics’ expertise in solar panel and battery installations, and you can power your EV at home using clean, self-generated energy. Let us help you build a future-proof, energy-efficient home ecosystem.
About This Blog
This post was created by Solar Voltaics, your expert partner in clean energy installations. We specialise in integrated home energy systems—solar, battery storage, and smart EV charging. Reach out to learn how we can maximise your savings, carbon reduction, and long‑term resilience.
