New EV rule means drivers making choice are 'given £3,750'

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced the first electric car models eligible for a £3,750 purchase grant. The Ford Puma Gen-E and e-Tourneo Courier are among the vehicles that drivers can buy with this discount.

The maximum discount of £3,750 is part of the Government's £650 million electric car grant scheme. However, the other 26 models included in the initiative so far only qualify for grants of £1,500. Eligibility is based on sustainability criteria, with cars priced at no more than £37,000 qualifying for the grant.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "We're putting money back in people's pockets and making it easier and cheaper for families to make the switch to electric, by delivering discounts of up to £3,750 on EVs. Our measures are driving competition in the UK EV market, boosting economic growth, and supporting jobs and skills."

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According to the DfT, many drivers see the upfront costs as a "key barrier" to buying an EV. The grant aims to reduce prices so they "more closely match their petrol and diesel counterparts". Discounts are automatically applied at the point of sale and more models are expected to be approved in the coming weeks.

Edmund King, AA president, said: "Drivers frequently tell us that the upfront costs of new EVs are a stumbling block to making the switch to electric. It is great to see some of these more substantial £3,750 discounts coming online because for some drivers this might just bridge the financial gap to make these cars affordable."

Ian Plummer, commercial director at online vehicle marketplace Autotrader, said: "The electric car grant prompted the highest uptick in consumer demand for EVs in three years on Autotrader, and interest in cars priced below £37,000 almost doubled. Half of consumers say price is the biggest barrier to going electric, so it's fantastic to see the first tranche of models qualify for the full £3,750 grant."

This development means the Puma Gen-E now begins at £24,745, positioning it as one of the most affordable electric crossovers available. The vehicle boasts a 43kWh battery pack and an electric motor capable of delivering a claimed 233 miles per charge.

Ford said it was additionally supporting customers transitioning to electric through its 'Power Promise' scheme, offering private buyers complimentary home charger installation, up to 10,000 miles of free charging, and an eight-year or 100,000-mile battery guarantee.

Lisa Brankin, the chair and managing director of Ford UK, said: "We welcome the Government's decision to accelerate the transition to electric mobility and are proud that Ford's commitment to sustainability has been recognised with the full EV grant. With a £3,750 saving available on the Puma Gen-E plus the convenience of the Ford Power Promise, we're helping to make the switch to electric simpler, more affordable and more rewarding."