What government grants are available for electric car buyers?

PiCG

In a bid to cut CO2 emissions, the UK government came up with a scheme called the plug-in car grant (PiCG).

As of 18th March 2021, this pays up to 35% off the price of your new EV for you, but is limited to a maximum benefit of £2,500 and only for cars costing under £35k. Prior to this date, the benefit was £3000 for cars worth up to £50k.

Also, the latest benefit is already factored into the prices on manufacturer websites, including EV.CENTER, so don’t expect to get any further cost reduction, unless you are able to play hardball with the dealer. EV’s are in great demand at the moment, so the old “I’m walking away now…” trick might not be enough to get the dealer to sharpen their pencil!

The dealer or manufacturer should automatically apply the grant for you, so you don’t have to worry about having to apply for one, and the scheme is planned to be in effect right through to early 2023.

The only other caveats for electric vehicles in qualifying for the maximum grant is that they must be able to travel at least 70miles in a single trip and be 100% electric.

Home Charging Grant

The UK government will pay you up to £350 to install a home charging wallbox from an approved supplier.

Congestion Charge & Bus Lanes

Having already qualified for the Plug-in Car Grant, you also don’t have to pay the London Congestion Charge, and can enter low-emissions zones free of charge too.

There are also plans for all EV’s to have special green number plates that will allow you to have free use of bus lanes.