Is Now the Right Time to Go Electric? The New Grant Scheme Says Yes

For businesses and fleets weighing up the switch to electric, timing is everything. And right now, the UK market has been given a powerful nudge forward: a new £650 million government grant scheme that reduces the upfront cost of electric vehicles (EVs) by as much as £3,750.

The aim is simple; to bring EVs within reach of more drivers by closing the price gap with petrol and diesel vehicles. For organisations managing fleets, this isn’t just about saving money on day one. The government estimates EVs can deliver up to £1,500 a year in fuel and running cost savings compared to petrol cars.

How the Scheme Works

The Electric Car Grant (ECG) applies to new EVs priced below £37,000.

• Band One: The greenest vehicles qualify for a £3,750 discount.
• Band Two: Other eligible vehicles qualify for £1,500.

Importantly, businesses don’t need to do anything to claim the grant. Manufacturers apply on your behalf, and the discount is automatically reflected in the list price.

Eligibility depends not only on price but also on how sustainably the car is manufactured, including battery production and assembly. This focus on lifecycle emissions means many European-built EVs are favoured, while some premium and Chinese-built models may not qualify.

Which Vehicles Are Included?

The full list of approved cars is still being rolled out, but the first models already announced include Citroën, Renault, Nissan, and Vauxhall with 19 vehicles approved so far, such as the Renault Megane, Citroën ë-C3, and Vauxhall Grandland Electric.

More brands are expected to join, but the sub-£37,000 threshold already excludes popular upmarket models like Tesla, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. That said, the scheme has triggered a wave of manufacturer-led price cuts to bring vehicles under the cap, ensuring more choice for buyers.

What Does This Mean for Businesses?

For fleet operators, the timing is critical. The ECG runs until 2027/28 or until funds are exhausted. Early signs show strong demand, and history tells us these schemes can accelerate uptake quickly.

With the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel sales edging closer, the message is clear: acting early locks in financial benefits, access advantages, and sustainability leadership.

EVC’s Perspective

While grants are welcome, many businesses still face a bigger question: how to design and implement the right charging infrastructure to make EV adoption practical, cost-effective, and future-proof.

That’s where EVC Solutions comes in. We guide you through the journey:

1. Consultation – understanding your fleet’s needs.
2. Survey – assessing your sites and opportunities.
3. Design – building a tailored charging strategy.
4. Installation – delivered with precision and reliability.
5. Management & Support – ongoing optimisation and peace of mind.

The new grants may reduce the upfront cost of vehicles but without the right infrastructure in place, businesses risk missing out on the full benefits.

The Bottom Line

The landscape is shifting fast. Prices are coming down, grants are live, and more vehicle models are becoming available every month. For businesses, that means the case for electrification has never been stronger.

At EVC Solutions, our promise is simple: we make the transition seamless, reliable, and future-proof.

💡 Book an Appointment and See What’s Possible.