With the launch of the scheme earlier this year, the government committed to helping drivers overcome the high upfront costs of electric cars, traditionally a major barrier to EV adoption. Now, with an additional £1.5 billion allocated to the scheme and new vehicles added, the programme’s scope has increased significantly. The new changes were announced on 3 December 2025, marking a further step in the government’s green ambitions and its drive to accelerate the UK’s shift towards zero-emission vehicles.
A Major Expansion in Eligible Vehicles
As of December 2025, the government’s Electric Car Grant has doubled the number of eligible vehicles qualifying for the maximum £3,750 discount. The recent addition of four new electric models to the scheme, the MINI Countryman, Renault 4, Renault 5, and Renault Alpine A290 – brings the total number of eligible cars to eight. This expansion includes well-known models from major brands such as Renault, MINI, Ford, and Nissan.
This development follows a significant increase in demand for EVs, particularly after record sales in September and October. According to the Department for Transport, one in four new cars sold in the UK is now electric, highlighting the growing consumer interest in greener vehicles. The grant aims to make EVs more financially viable for households, thus encouraging greater uptake.
The government has already invested £1.5 billion to extend the grant until 2026, including £200 million to enhance the country’s public charging infrastructure. As part of this effort, local councils will be supported in providing over 100,000 new public charging points. The government also aims to make it easier for residents without off-street parking to install home chargers, potentially saving drivers up to £250 in application fees.
Supporting EV Adoption: What the Grant Means for Drivers
The Electric Car Grant is part of a broader strategy to drive the UK towards a cleaner, more sustainable transport network. It specifically targets the high upfront costs of electric vehicles, a key issue for many potential buyers. According to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, over 40,000 drivers have already benefited from the scheme since its inception in July 2025.
For eligible vehicles in Band 1, drivers can now receive £3,750 off the purchase price of selected EVs. The Band 2 vehicles, which include several models from Citroën, Vauxhall, and Peugeot, are eligible for a £1,500 discount. This system ensures that a wide range of vehicles, from more affordable options to premium models, can benefit from government assistance.
In addition to helping make EVs more affordable, the government is also focusing on the expansion of charging infrastructure. Almost 87,000 chargers are currently operational across the UK, and the most rapid growth is occurring outside London. With an extra £381 million in funding, the government aims to improve accessibility to these chargers, ensuring that EV owners are not left without options when it comes to refuelling their cars.
This focus on improving both vehicle affordability and charging infrastructure is seen by many as a key component of the UK’s strategy to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability in the automotive sector. With EV adoption growing steadily, the government’s ongoing investments in both cars and infrastructure are expected to play a central role in the UK’s green transition.
The expansion of the Electric Car Grant, alongside significant investments in public charging infrastructure, underscores the UK’s commitment to encouraging the transition to a zero-emission future. By making electric vehicles more accessible and affordable, the government is ensuring that both urban and rural drivers can benefit from the green revolution.
