What Vehicles are Still Eligible for an Electric Car Grant? (2024)
Here are the types of vehicles that are still eligible for the EV grant in 2024.
In 2011, the UK government introduced the plug-in car grant (PiCG), which is available to buyers of eligible cars, vans, and motorbikes.
The grant is designed to work as an incentive to encourage drivers to buy an electric vehicle as opposed to a petrol or diesel car in order to reduce emissions. It is all part of a larger plan to reach the target of zero net emissions by 2050.
But the grant has recently changed so some first-time buyers may have to increase their budget to make the switch to an electric car.
What’s Changed?
When the grant was introduced in 2011, it was available on many different vehicles at different price points. On the 14th of June 2022, the government announced that the scheme was no longer available to the general population, but to owners of very specific types of vehicles.
Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said:
“The government continues to invest record amounts in the transition to EVs, with £2.5 billion injected since 2020, and has set the most ambitious phase-out dates for new diesel and petrol sales of any major country. But government funding must always be invested where it has the highest impact if that success story is to continue.”
It is worth noting that things are different in Scotland.
Which Types Of Vehicles are Eligible for the Electric Car Grant?
All information is correct as of June 2024.
Wheelchair-accessible Vehicles
Some wheelchair-accessible vehicles are eligible for a 35% discount, with the maximum discount going up to £2,500.
To be eligible, the vehicle must meet the following criteria:
- Be converted from a passenger vehicle, or an M1 vehicle
- Have zero CO2 emissions
- Have a range of 70 miles without emissions
- Cost under £35,000
The list of vehicles that can be converted is as follows:
- Citroën ë-Berlingo
- Citroën ë-Spacetourer Business M
- Citroën ë-Spacetourer Business XL
- Nissan e-NV200 Combi (5-seater)
- Nissan e-NV200 Combi (7-seater)
- Peugeot e-Rifter
- Vauxhall Vivaro-e Life - Combi
Motorcycles and Mopeds
Motorcycles are eligible for a 35% discount. The conditions are:
- Have no CO2 emissions
- Be able to travel at least 31 miles between charges for motorcycles and 19 miles for mopeds
- Have an RRP of less than £10,000, including VAT and delivery fees.
There are many eligible electric motorcycles and mopeds that are eligible for the grant. You can find a complete list on the GOV.UK website.
Vans
Both large and small vans are eligible for the 35% discount. This works out to £2,500 for small vans and £5,000 for large vans.
Small vans must:
- be less than 2,500 kilograms in weight
- have CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km
- be able to travel at least 60 miles without any emissions
Large vans must:
- be between 2,500kg and 4,250kg in weight
- have CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km
- be able to travel at least 60 miles without any emissions
All electric vans that fit this criterion are eligible for the grant. If you want to view the full list of exact makes and models, they are available on the GOV.uk website.
Trucks
Some electric trucks are eligible for a 20% discount.
Small trucks can receive a discount of up to £16,000, providing they:
- are between 4,250kg and 12,000kg gross weight
- have CO2 emissions of at least 50% less than the equivalent conventional Euro VI vehicle that can carry the same capacity
- be able to travel at least 96km (60 miles) without any emissions
These vehicles are the FUSO eCanter and the Paneltex Z75.
As for large trucks, the discount maximum is £25,000, and must:
- be heavier than 12,000kg
- have CO2 emissions of at least 50% less than the equivalent conventional Euro VI vehicle that can carry the same capacity
- be able to travel at least 96km (60 miles) without any emissions
These vehicles are the Electra e-Compact and the e-Star 27-350, and the Renault Trucks D-Range.
Taxis
Some taxis are eligible for a 20% discount, or £7,500.
The vehicle must:
- be a purpose-built taxi
- have CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km
- be able to travel at least 112km (70 miles) without any emissions
These vehicles include the Dynamo Taxi and the LEVC TX.
Is There a Grant for Home Charger Installation?
Although you may not be eligble for the Electric Vehicle Grant, you may be able to get some funding towards installing an electric car charger at home.
The OZEV grant is available for renters and flat owners, some business owners, and landlords.
To find out more about the OZEV grant, give our article How Much Does it Cost to Install An Electric Car Charger? a read.
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