Latest news with #DepartmentForTransport
Top Gear
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Electric car grants are back! Cheapest, greenest EVs to be discounted by £3,750
Electric And only cars costing less than £37k will qualify. So you won't be funding next door's new Tesla… Skip 1 photos in the image carousel and continue reading The weekend rumours were true: the government has announced a new Electric Car Grant, which will see up to £3,750 knocked off the price of a new EV costing less than £37,000. But rather than a blanket discount, cars that qualify will be split into two bands: those with the lowest CO2 manufacturing footprint will get the full amount, but above a certain threshold the subsidy will be lowered to £1,500. Advertisement - Page continues below The Department for Transport hasn't, er, actually said what those thresholds are. Anyway. The ECG (not to be confused with an electrocardiogram) will be in place until the 2028/29 financial year, although if demand is strong enough the £650m pot could run dry before then. You might like Unlike the previous Plug-In Car Grant – which was killed off in 2022 – it's car manufacturers and not customers who will be in charge of applying for the new grant. Carmakers can apply from tomorrow (July 16), so you could start seeing lower prices within weeks. Or possibly even earlier than that if a manufacturer is really confident that its paperwork will be rubber stamped. Advertisement - Page continues below 'This EV grant will not only allow people to keep more of their hard-earned money – it'll help our automotive sector seize one of the biggest opportunities of the 21st century,' said Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander. 'And with over 82,000 public chargepoints now available across the UK, we've built the infrastructure families need to make the switch with confidence.' A cynic might suggest that if that last bit were true, the government wouldn't have announced more funding for home charging solutions just two days ago. Anyway, news of the Electric Car Grant has been pretty universally welcomed within the industry. Mikes Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT said the move is 'a clear signal to consumers that now is the time to switch', while Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK has called it 'brilliant news for drivers and for the UK's transition to electric vehicles'. Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. READ MORE Are electric car grants about to make an Oasis-style comeback? And Adam Wood, MD at Renault UK, said: 'These incentives are extremely welcome, and a much-needed signal that government is ready to put tangible action behind the ambitious plans for the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) that it has outlined.' Will the money off tempt you to go electric, or are you staunchly sticking to ICE until the arctic has vanished?
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
Five best EVs to buy with Labour's new £3,750 Electric Car Grant
The Government has reintroduced grants to slash the price of some new electric cars as part of its efforts to boost sales before the end of the decade. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has unveiled Labour's £650million Electric Car Grant, which comes three years after the previous Tory regime scrapped its own plug-in car grant. The Department for Transport confirms only fully electric models priced at £37,000 or less are eligible for the new grants of up to £3,750, which will be available from Wednesday with funding confirmed up until 2028-29. However, there are a number of caveats. Firstly, the scheme will not immediately be available, despite officially launching on Wednesday. That's because manufacturers need to apply for eligibility for vehicles in their ranges, rather than buyers registering grants at the point of purchase. And not all grants will have a value of £3,750. There will be a two-tier approach to the value deducted from the recommended retail price (RRP), which is determined by how green the manufacturing process is for each different model. The RAC says the grant's restrictions mean drivers will be 'picking models that are not only better for their wallets, but better for the planet too'. We've picked five of the best EVs that are certain to be eligible for the grant - though we will have to wait to find out which will qualify for the full grant amount of £3,750. What is the Electric Car Grant? The Electric Car Grant (ECG) is the Government's new big hope to drive sales of EVs in the run-up to the end of the decade. It comes three years after Tory MPs prematurely scrapped its Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG), which it launched in 2011. Over its 11-year spell, the PiCG amount was gradually wound down; having originally offered to slash the price of any new EV or plug-in hybrid by £5,000 in 2011, by the time the scheme was closed in June 2022 only fully-electric cars below £32,000 were eligible, and the amount knocked off the RRP just £1,500. That said, the scheme proved incredibly successful, provided more than £1.4billion to motorists to support the purchase of nearly half a million electric and hybrid vehicles in that period. The new ECG will hope to recreate reignite electric car demand among private buyers with the same impact. It will be supported by a £650million backing from the Government and will be available for the next three years. However, funding will remain under review, with the scheme subject to amendments or an 'early closure' with no notice should the pot of available money 'become exhausted', the DfT clarified. Only cars up to £37,000 qualify for the grant, which rules out premium models, including every Tesla on sale. The Government's hope is that by making the most financially attainable EVs more affordable, it will make switching to electric more appealing to private buyers rather than just those who lease EV or acquire them as company cars or through salary sacrifice schemes. How does the Electric Car Grant work? Unlike the PiCG, buyers will not be allocated the grant amount at the point of purchase. Instead, manufacturers must apply to be eligible for the scheme with their sub-£37,000 cars on a 'first come, first served' basis. This means that motorists will not need to fill in any additional paperwork to receive the grant, with all administration handled by the car maker, dealership, and the Government. But, because manufacturers must apply for the scheme, it may take weeks for discounted EVs to begin appearing in showrooms. The new scheme will also differ from the PiCG in that it has a two-tier approach that is based on sustainability criteria, with only the greenest models - considered in 'band one' - receiving the full £3,750 amount. Band two cars with a lower eco rating will be eligible for a reduced amount that's not yet clarified. Bands are determined by each brand's Science-Based Target (SBT) - an industry-wide scheme, with manufacturers needing to meet carbon scores below a specific criterion to meet the highest green standard. British-built EVs are also likely to qualify for band one in support of UK car makers. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander confirmed the ECG's availability on Monday night, saying: 'The EV grant will not only allow people to keep more of their hard-earned money - it'll help our automotive sector seize one of the biggest opportunities of the 21st century.' Car industry welcomes EV purchase incentive The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which has been campaigning for increase financial purchase incentives since the PiCG was closed three years ago, said the grant is a 'clear signal to consumers that now is the time to switch'. Mike Hawes, its chief executive, said: 'Rapid deployment and availability of this grant over the next few years will help provide the momentum that is essential to take the EV market from just one in four today, to four in five by the end of the decade. 'This announcement is a welcome response to consistent calls from the industry for more support, which will be in addition to the substantive subsidies already provided by manufacturers.' Simon Williams, head of road policy at the RAC, described the grant as 'just the shot-in-the arm needed to help more drivers go electric'. He added: 'Within weeks, discounted cars should start appearing at dealerships across the country. 'And, as the biggest savings will be given to cars with the strongest 'green' manufacturing credentials, drivers will be picking models that are not only better for their wallets, but better for the planet too.' Five of the best EVs likely eligible for the grant While any battery electric car with an RRP of £37,000 or below will be eligible for the grant, for the meantime we will not know which models will be included or the total value of the grant subsidy provided. However, here is a list of five of the best EVs on sale currently that are available for less than £37,000 - and should become cheaper to buy within a matter of weeks. Below is the potential start price for each model if they qualify as band one EVs eligible for the full £3,750 grant allowance. 1. Renault 5 E-Tech - from £19,245 Current price from: £22,995 Versions under £37k: all Range: up to 250 miles The Renault 5 E-Tech is a reborn version of the legendary 1980 model with battery power - and it has proved a huge success for the French manufacturer since it arrived in Britain earlier this year. With impressive driving characteristics, a premium feel to the cabin and a more than adequate range of between 190 to 250 miles, it is the worthy reigning winner of the illustrious European Car of the Year Award. While a starting price of £23,000 and even the top-spec Roland Garros version ringing in at less than £30,000, every version should be eligible for the grant. The 5 has been the best-selling EV in the UK retail sector in the months of April and May, so this is certainly one of the cars the grant is aimed at. 2. Nissan Leaf - from circa £26,250 Current price from: circa £30,000 Versions under £37k: TBC Range: up to 375 miles An all-new Nissan Leaf is due to hit showrooms this year. And, given it's the only mass-market EV produced in the UK [since assembly of the Mini EV moved to China] at the Sunderland plant in the Northeast, it is likely to qualify for the full grant amount under domestic benefits. Unlike the outgoing Leaf hatchback, the new model is very much a crossover with a jacked-up ride height and bulkier styling. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but bosses have hinted it will start from around £30,000. Even mid-to-top spec models are likely to sit below the grant's £37,000 threshold. Two battery options will be available from launch in 2025: a smaller - and cheaper - 52kWh unit offering up to 270 miles of range on a single charge and a larger 75kWh battery which ups the distance to 375 miles. 3. Citroen e-C3 - from £18,345 Current price from: £22,095 Versions under £37k: all Range: up to 199 miles With a range of up to 199 miles and enough room for five adults, the practical and comfortable Citroen e-C3 supermini could become even more affordable if it qualifies for the full ECG value There are plenty of compact EV options that should qualify for the ECG criteria, including the Dacia Spring (from £14,995) and Hyundai Inster (from £23,505). But our pick of the most attainably priced electric cars is Citroen's new e-C3, which start from £22,095. With a range of up to 199 miles, an existing starting price a little over £22,000, and enough room for five adults, this practical and comfortable electric supermini could become even more affordable if it qualifies for the full ECG amount. Even the entry-spec models get a 10.25-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, while higher trim levels - all of them falling well below the grant's £37,000 ceiling - have heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a reversing camera. 4. Kia EV3 - from £29,255 Current price from: £33,005 Versions under £37k: EV3 Air Range: up to 375 miles The entry 'Air' specification of the new Kia EV3 sits under the £37,000 ECG threshold with the choice of either the 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh battery. For an electric family car, it could become a tempting option with up to £3,750 off Kia's latest - and smallest - model, the new EV3, looks set to steal a march on rivals in the most competitive segment of all. With every brand on the planet seemingly offering a compact SUV, Kia's EV3 is our choice of the bunch with exclusively battery power. The entry 'Air' specification sits under the £37,000 ECG threshold with the choice of either the 58.3kWh or 81.4kWh battery. While the smaller battery model (starting from £33,005) offers a range up to 254 miles, the £36,005 Air with the Long Range 81.4kWh battery providing up to 375 miles on a single charge. 5 Skoda Elroq - from £27,760 Current price from: £31,510 Versions under £37k: Elroq SE, SE-L and Edition Range: up to 266 miles Skoda's new Elroq is one of the standout electric family cars with a RRP low enough to qualify for the new Electric Car Grant For family car buyers, Skoda's Elroq is another quality option. And with three models in its range likely to qualify for the ECG, a discount of up to £3,750 could make it compelling option. It's roomy, well-equipped and has that robust Volkswagen Group build quality. While not the most entertaining to drive, its arguably excellent value against comparable rivals. The entry Elroq SE with a 52kWh battery is the cheapest from £31,510, though this provides a maximum range of up to only 233 miles. However, the SE-L 60 and Edition 60 with the bigger 59kWh offer up to 266 miles and both sit below the grant's £37,000 cut-off for eligibility. Unfortunately, the larger 77kWh battery versions are all over the ECG's price threshold.
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Warning of two week road closure during traffic lights works
Residents in Swindon have been warned of a two week closure whilst traffic light works are ongoing at a Swindon junction. The closure will be at the right-hand turn from Thamesdown Drive onto Salzgitter Drive, beginning from Monday, July 28. Swindon Borough Council have announced the works on their socials, explaining that there will be a closure during this period. Be the first to know with the Swindon Advertiser! 📱 💡 Our flash sale brings the latest local happenings directly to you. Save over 50% on an annual subscription now. 🔗 #SpecialOffer — Swindon Advertiser (@swindonadver) July 4, 2025 A spokesperson said: "During this work, the right-hand turn from Thamesdown Drive onto Salzgitter Drive will be closed, this is to maintain a safe working area for the contractors working in the road space and kerbside. "Diversions will be in place for motorists. Paid for by a grant from the Department for Transport, the upgrade will include new energy-efficient LED bulbs and replacement lighting columns. "We expect the work to take two weeks but this is subject to the weather and any unexpected issues. "We'd like to thank residents, businesses and motorists for their patience during this time." Recommended reading Appeal against refused plans for new traveller site Residents divided over Speedway stadium plans ahead of key meeting Fast food chain tight-lipped on opening as town centre drive-thru takes shape Other works began today (July 14) at the junction of Cricklade Road and Thamesdown Drive. The works are aimed to upgrade and improve the lights from their steelwork to a new lick of paint. The works will improve the visuals of the traffic lights, making the junction ultimately safer.
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Work to cut traffic on major road given go-ahead
Work to improve congestion issues on parts of the A38 in Somerset have been approved. North Somerset and Somerset Council said the project would see work take place at nine locations along the A38 running between Barrow Street junction at Barrow Tanks, and the Edithmead roundabout. The Department for Transport, which funds the Major Road Network (MRN), supported proposed improvements and construction. Councillor Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's lead member for transport and waste services, said: "It's great to get this confirmation of funding, we have lobbied hard to secure the money to improve a busy and vital stretch of the A38 in Somerset." Plans for a new rail station in Wellington have also been approved. North Somerset Council leader Mike Bell said: "The A38 MRN will improve capacity on our roads, making journeys smoother, safer and more reliable. "The scheme also includes sustainable options for getting around such as the widening of walking and cycling paths and new crossings for the Strawberry Line." Some key areas in Somerset which are set to be updated are Edithmead roundabout, which authorities said would get a "through-about" option and the creation of a staggered junction at Cross. For North Somerset, traffic signalling software has been proposed for Barrow Street Junction, and there are to be improvements at various points on the airport terminal roundabout. More news stories for Somerset Listen to the latest news for Somerset North Somerset Council Somerset Council Drivers warned over two months of gas upgrade work Plans to improve A38 at major motorway roundabout Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.
BBC News
12-07-2025
- BBC News
Work to cut traffic on A38 in Somerset major road given go-ahead
Work to improve congestion issues on parts of the A38 in Somerset have been Somerset and Somerset Council said the project would see work take place at nine locations along the A38 running between Barrow Street junction at Barrow Tanks, and the Edithmead Department for Transport, which funds the Major Road Network (MRN), supported proposed improvements and Richard Wilkins, Somerset Council's lead member for transport and waste services, said: "It's great to get this confirmation of funding, we have lobbied hard to secure the money to improve a busy and vital stretch of the A38 in Somerset." Plans for a new rail station in Wellington have also been Somerset Council leader Mike Bell said: "The A38 MRN will improve capacity on our roads, making journeys smoother, safer and more reliable."The scheme also includes sustainable options for getting around such as the widening of walking and cycling paths and new crossings for the Strawberry Line."Some key areas in Somerset which are set to be updated are Edithmead roundabout, which authorities said would get a "through-about" option and the creation of a staggered junction at North Somerset, traffic signalling software has been proposed for Barrow Street Junction, and there are to be improvements at various points on the airport terminal roundabout.
