First EV models to get £1,500 grant unveiled as UK to 'turbocharge' shift to electric

The UK government has announced the first four electric vehicle (EV) models eligible for a £1,500 discount under the new £650 million Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme.

Consumers will benefit from this automatic discount at the point of sale and with no additional paperwork required. It marks the beginning of the plan to make EV ownership more affordable by cutting costs, supporting the automotive industry and expanding the UK’s charging network — supercharging the UK's electric revolution.

The four Citroën models available under the initiative are the ë-C3, ë-C4, ë-C5, and the ë-Berlingo. It comes after news anyone buying fuel next week given '£15 charge' warning by The AA.

READ MORE: Top Gear host admits he 'never got along' with Jeremy Clarkson as he makes bold statement

READ MORE: Beachgoers left stunned after rare sea creature spotted off British coast

More models are expected to join the scheme in the coming weeks as the grant encourages manufacturers to meet high sustainability standards. Funding for the grant will continue until the 2028-29 financial year.

Since July 2024, the UK has added over 17,300 new public charge points, bringing the total to over 82,000, with plans to add at least a further 100,000 by 2030 — in an effort to provide motorists with the confidence to make the switchover to electric by making charging more accessible and convenient.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "With the first four models approved today and more to come over the next few weeks, this summer we’re making owning an electric car cheaper, easier and a reality for thousands more people across the UK. Once again we’re delivering our Plan for Change by standing firmly on the side of motorists and manufacturers, driving down costs for consumers, supporting jobs and putting money back in people’s pockets."

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, said: "We welcome the support of the Electric Car Grant and are delighted to be the first to have our electric range, including the New ë-C3, New ë-C4, New ë-C5 Aircross and ë-Berlingo, approved and eligible. At Citroën we want everyone to have the opportunity to make the switch to an electric car and this support will help make our cars more accessible for our customers."

Want big news with big heart? Get the top headlines sent straight to your inbox with our Daily Newsletter

While RAC Head of Policy Simon Williams added: "It’s great to see the first qualifying models announced for the government’s new Electric Car Grant. Not only does this mean more drivers will benefit from the lower cost of running an electric vehicle, but it’s hopefully the sign of more to come from other manufacturers in the weeks ahead. With nearly 1.6 million battery electric vehicles on the road already, it’s a real boost for the switch to electric."

The new grants follow other government measures such as a freeze on fuel duty until spring 2026 — supporting consumers during the transition period — as well as the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate, requiring an increasing share of new car sales to be emission-free.

The UK was Europe’s largest EV market in 2024, with sales up 20 per cent compared with last year, showcasing the government’s commitment to supporting jobs, innovation and cleaner, greener transportation on our roads.

Do you have a story to share? Email us at yourmirror@mirror.co.uk for a chance to be featured.