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Daily Mail
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mail
5 EVs likely eligible for new Electric Car Grant of up to £3,750
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, 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 16 July. 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 subsidy 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 as it continues to steer towards outlawing the availability of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030. It arrives three years after the previous Tory administration 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. It provided more than £1.4billion to motorists to support purchases of nearly half a million electric and hybrid vehicles in that period, in which it was widely responsible for encouraging early adoption of electrified cars. The new ECG will hope to reignite electric car demand among private buyers with the same level of impact after months of stagnating sales. It will be supported by a £650million backing from the Government that 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. No Audi, BMW or Mercedes EV will be eligible either. The Government's hope is that by making the most financially attainable EVs even more affordable, it will make switching more appealing to private buyers rather than just those who lease more expensive EVs or acquire them as company cars or through salary sacrifice schemes. Some 50 existing models are technically eligible for the grants solely based on their starting price. We've listed these below. However, there are a number of electric cars that are just over the £37,000 threshold and manufacturers are likely to review whether to lower the RRPs on these models in order to qualify. 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, experts say. The new scheme will also differ from the PiCG in that it is a two-tier approach based on 'sustainability criteria'. Only the greenest models - considered 'band one' - receiving the full £3,750 amount. Band two cars with a lower eco rating will be eligible for a reduced amount as low as £1,500. Bands are determined by each maker's Science-Based Target (SBT) - an industry-wide scheme, with manufacturers needing to meet carbon scores below a specific criterion to achieve the highest green standard. Volkswagen and Renault Group have both confirmed they are signed up with the SBT scheme. ECG bands - which could later expand beyond two tiers - will be determined by how much CO2 is emitted in an EV's production, assessing the energy used during assembly as well as battery manufacturing. An overall SBT score is weighted 70 per cent for the CO2 produced during battery manufacturing and 30 per cent for vehicle assembly emissions. Threshold levels to achieve the full £3,750 discount or the lower banded £1,500 have yet to be made public. However, vehicles that don't meet a minimum level will not receive a grant at all. This could be bad news for Chinese EV makers , which currently offer some of the most competitive prices but could fall foul of the emissions-based rules. Speaking on the BBC's Today programme on Wednesday (16 July), Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said she did not expect any cars that are produced in China to be eligible. 'The grant is restricted to those manufacturers that reach minimum environmental standards,' she said. 'And, frankly, if you generate a lot of the electricity that powers your factory through coal power stations, then you are not going to be able to access this grant.' According to The Telegraph , the Chinese embassy has hit hack and the scheme's stringent requirements. It has called on the UK to follow World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules and create a 'non-discriminatory environment for investment'. WTO rules stipulate that members must not give favourable treatment to one country over another when it comes to trading goods and services. An embassy spokesperson added: 'The Chinese side is closely following the situation and will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.' China's - and the world's - biggest EV maker, BYD, has informed the DfT of its intention to apply for eligibility for the Electric Car Grant and said it looks forward to being 'part of it'. According to early reports, British-built EVs were said to qualify for band one in support of UK car makers. However, the DfT has said this will not be the case and that 'all products are assessed under the same framework'. 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.' On Sunday, Alexander admitted she has not been able to afford an electric car as she hinted towards the introduction of new subsidies. The Cabinet minister - who earns around £160,000 - said she had not purchased a vehicle for about six years as it was 'expensive'. Car industry welcomes EV purchase incentive The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which has been campaigning for new EV purchase incentives to be launched 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.' Ford UK's managing director Lisa Brankin said the introduction of the ECG will slash the price of its new Puma Gen-E model. 'Today's confirmation of customer grants – reducing the cost of sub-£37k electric cars by up to £3,750 – is great news for UK drivers and will make purchasing an electric vehicle much more affordable,' she told This is Money. 'Ford applauds the UK government for taking this step. We have been on the frontline of the conversation, highlighting the urgent need for consumer-based incentives for electric vehicles, and now they have arrived. 'Ford Puma is the best-selling car in the UK and the government grant will help make the all-electric Puma Gen-E even more affordable.' Renault's managing director, Adam Wood, called the grants a 'much-needed signal that Government is ready to put tangible action behind the ambitious plans for the transition to electric vehicles that it has outlined'. 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, we will have to wait for manufacturers to apply for the grant before finding out which vehicles qualify - and which band and subsidy amount they will be categorised. 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, we have listed them with the potential start price if they are to qualify as band one and 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 eighties model with battery power - and it has proved a huge success for the French manufacturer since it arrived in Britain earlier this year. Impressive driving characteristics, a premium feel to the cabin, and a more than adequate range of between 190 to 250 miles earned it the worthy title of European Car of the Year Award for 2025. With 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, the Japanese brand will be hoping to meet the requirements to secure the full £3,750 'band one' grant allowance. Unlike the outgoing Leaf hatchback, the new model is 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. 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. 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 exclusively with 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. Produced in Slovakia, it has a very good chance of meeting the DfT sustainable manufacturing criteria to be eligible for the grants. 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. For family car buyers, Skoda's Elroq is another quality option. And with three trims 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, it's 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. 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.
Daily Record
a day ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
New Blue Badge update simplifies process for people applying for parking permit
There are nearly three million Blue Badge holders across Great Britain, including more than 235,700 in Scotland. How to apply for a Blue Badge The UK Government has confirmed new measures are in place to help local authorities decide whether someone applying for a Blue Badge meets the eligibility criteria. Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood also explained how the Department for Transport (DFT) has 'produced a model application form with accompanying guidance notes for applicants on how to complete the form'. Ms Greenwood's comments came in a written response after Labour MP Anna Gelderd asked 'what steps are being taken to simplify the renewal process for Blue Badge holders'. There are nearly three million Blue Badge holders across the UK, including over 235,700 in Scotland, who may not realise that although their application is processed by their local authority, the parking permit is issued overseen by the Department for Transport. Ms Greenwood said: 'Local authorities are responsible for the day-to-day administration and enforcement of the Blue Badge scheme. They are responsible for determining and implementing the administrative, assessment, and enforcement procedures which they believe are in accordance with the governing legislation. 'Whilst it remains a matter for each individual local authority to decide on and to produce application form(s) for their area, to assist local authorities in deciding whether an applicant meets the eligibility criteria, the DfT has produced a model application form with accompanying guidance notes for applicants on how to complete the form.' The Transport Minister continued: 'The Department also recommends that authorities provide the guidance notes as a separate document to the application form so that they can be retained by the applicant for future reference after their application has been submitted. 'In addition, the Department works closely with its Blue Badge Digital Service supplier to identify possible improvements to the online application and renewal process as part of its continuous improvement programme.' The UK Government recently confirmed that 90 per cent of all Blue Badge applications are being made through its online service, which process first-time and renewals for people living in Scotland, England and Wales. Using the online application service could also help all 2.8 million users when the time comes to renew their parking permit. For users of the scheme due to renew this year they may not be aware that the processing time can take up to 12 weeks to complete - it's usually much quicker. However, the UK Government is now issuing emails to Blue Badge holders, who previously completed the application process online, giving them advanced notice their parking permit is due to expire soon. The email states this is a 'Blue Badge Reapplication reminder' and gives details of when your badge is due to expire. It goes on to give the specific date you need to reapply by 'otherwise you could be without a valid badge '. That's the important bit as Blue Badge holders could face a hefty £1,000 fine if they continue to display it after it has expired. This is because displaying an out of date Blue Badge is classed as 'misuse'. Transport Scotland guidance states: 'Misuse of a badge is a crime. You may be prosecuted if you misuse a badge.' Permit holders may also not be aware that applying for a Blue Badge early has no impact on the current Badge as the new one starts the day after the current one expires. It's also worth noting that once the local council has approved and entered the application on to the UK Government system, it usually arrives within 10 working days. Once you have completed the renewal process online, which involves providing details of your existing Blue Badge, personal details and eligibility criteria, you will receive an email confirming whether or not you have been successful. If you have, the email will also include instructions on making the Blue Badge payment to your local council - in Scotland this is £20. It costs up to £10 in England and is free in Wales. Most Blue Badges are issued for a maximum of up to three years, but this can vary by issuing council area and claimant. Once the payment has been made, you will then receive an email from the Department for Work and Transport confirming that your Blue Badge has been ordered and will arrive within 10 working days. The email also include: Name of your local authority issuing the Badge Badge number Badge start date Badge expiry date If your Blue Badge is due to expire in September or October, you can renew it now and have peace of mind that you won't forget. It's also worth checking your emails for the UK Government reminder. Eligibility for a Blue Badge is also reviewed every time a renewal application is submitted. Guidance on explains: 'Your Blue Badge is not renewed automatically. You need to reapply for it every 3 years. 'Your eligibility will be checked every time you reapply. This is to make sure you can still get a Blue Badge. Your local council processes your application and decides if you can get a Blue Badge. 'You should reapply 12 weeks before your badge expires.' The eligibility criteria for a Blue Badge was extended in 2019 to include individuals with non-visible disabilities such as Parkinson's, dementia and epilepsy to help more people park closer to the places they want to go when they travel as a driver, or a passenger. How to renew a Blue Badge online You will need a recent digital photo showing your head and shoulders. You will also need a photo or scan of your: proof of identity (such as a birth certificate, passport or driving licence) proof of address (such as a Council Tax bill or government letter) proof of benefits (if you get any) You will also need to know: your National Insurance number (if you have one) the details of your current Blue Badge You can start the application online and save the information you enter if you need to look for the required documents. You can easily return to it later and complete the process. Change of details You should contact your local council if there's a change to your: name address council area contact details Top 10 things to remember when using your Blue Badge You must follow the rules when using your Blue Badge, if you don't you are committing a crime You can only use your Blue Badge as a driver or passenger No-one else should use your badge if you are not in the vehicle with them If you are not getting out of the vehicle, you should not use your Blue Badge to get a parking space You must not let other people use your badge You must display your Blue Badge the right way up so the number can be seen clearly and your photo is face down You must apply for a new badge before your old badge runs out If your badge gets damaged you must apply for a new one Keep your badge safe. If it is lost or stolen, you must tell the police and the Local Council Check signs to make sure that Blue Badge holders are allowed to park there
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Parking pavement ban - is it illegal in Scotland?
Parking pavement ban - is it illegal in Scotland? People are still confused about pavement parking across Scotland and the rest of the UK You should not park on the pavement in Scotland (Image: Getty ) You may have heard that pavement parking is frowned upon. But is it actually illegal and where are the restrictions in place According to RAC Drive, the Department for Transport (DfT) announced it's considering making the rest of the country follow suit with two places across the UK which have already made parking on pavements illegal. These two locations are London and Scotland. And i f you ignore these rules, motorists may see themselves slapped with with a £70 fine. Is it illegal to park on the pavement? Motor experts at RAC Drive explained: "Parking on the pavement is not illegal outside of London and Scotland. Drivers should be aware of the rules (Image: Getty ) "You can, however, still get a fine for doing so in some instances, which makes the law quite a grey area." In fact, since 1974, Highway Code rule 244 has stated that drivers "MUST NOT park partially or wholly on the pavement in London and should not do so elsewhere unless signs permit it." Interestingly, they point out there are two key words you need to be aware of - this includes the words "must not" and "should not." With this in mind, they note: "In London and Scotland, you must not park on the pavement, the must indicating there is legislation behind this rule and you could receive a fine for breaking it. "However, outside of the capital, Scotland, or "elsewhere", the Highway Code states drivers should not park on the pavement, meaning it is advisory and not, therefore, backed up by any legislation." Why is it illegal in only London and Scotland? A Private Members' Bill aimed at making pavement parking illegal across the UK was introduced in Parliament in 2015. However, it failed to progress past the second reading in the House of Commons due to concerns about where residents of narrow streets could park if off-street spaces were unavailable. The Transport (Scotland) Act 2019 prohibits pavement parking, double parking and parking at dropped kerbs. There is of course specific exemptions granted by local authorities such as allowing safe access for emergency vehicles. Since December 2023, local authorities can fine drivers £100 for parking on the pavement, reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. As of June 2025, nowhere else in the UK has banned parking on the pavement, RAC stated. How much will I be fined for parking on a pavement? The fine could be hefty (Image: Getty ) In Scotland, drivers can be fined £100; reduced to £50 if paid within 14 days. The fine for parking on the pavement varies across London. Transport for London currently manages 5% of the capital's roads, where drivers can face a penalty of up to £130 for parking on pavements - or half that amount if paid within 14 days. The Greater London Council (General Powers) Act prohibits motorists from parking on urban roads with their vehicle's wheels on pavements, grass verges, or any land situated between carriageways. What about the rest of England? Whether you're going on a trip or live in England, Rule 242 states: "You MUST NOT leave your vehicle or trailer in a dangerous position or where it causes any unnecessary obstruction of the road." Using the word "must not" means, according to the RAC, if "your car is reported or seen by a police officer and judged to be either in a dangerous position or causing an unnecessary obstruction of the road, you could receive a Fixed Penalty Notice." Article continues below In the rest of the UK, pavement parking is allowed unless explicitly banned by a local authority via a Traffic Regulation Order (TRO), which will be indicated on nearby road signs, they conclude.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Daily Mirror
Brits offered £3,750 to switchover to EVs but experts warn of huge catch
UK drivers are being offered generous grants worth almost £4,000 as the government unveils its latest investment to make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable. However, many models won't be eligible Brits could get thousands knocked off the price of a new car if they switch over to an electric vehicle (EV) thanks to a major new investment. In an effort to encourage drivers to make the switchover from internal combustion engine (ICE) to electric vehicles (EVs), the government is offering grants cutting the cost of selected models by up to £3,750. However, insiders have highlighted a significant shortcoming with the scheme. The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a new £650 million grant, which is available for three years and applies to any eligible model with a price tag of up to £37,000 — the most sustainably produced and environmentally friendly models qualify for the largest reductions — with the aim of making EVs more affordable for the average British household. Manufacturers can now apply for this grant, and once their models are approved, buyers will see the discounted price directly at dealerships. According to the RAC, these discounted vehicles are expected to be available 'within weeks'. The scheme is part of the government's wider efforts to increase EV uptake, helping the UK meet environmental targets and close in on its goal of banning the sale of new ICE cars by 2030. However, this incentive has prompted mixed reactions from the automotive industry — particularly in terms of its accessibility and effectiveness for ordinary buyers. An expert at Auto Express welcomed the introduction of support for consumers transitioning to EVs, but expressed several concerns regarding the scheme's reach. In a statement sent to the Mirror, Head of digital content at the automotive publication, Steve Walker, said: "EV registrations have been growing steadily and are up nearly 35 per cent year on year. But there are two problems. "First, the rate of uptake still falls below the levels required by the government's ZEV mandate targets for manufacturers. Second, most of these new registrations are being driven by the fleet sector. "It's no coincidence that while businesses and company car users have strong tax incentives to purchase and run EVs, the private buyer has had nothing, not since the old plug-in car grant expired in 2022. Therefore, the prospect of new government assistance to help ordinary families afford a new EV and access the running costs savings that an electric car can bring, will be welcomed across the industry." The ace went on to argue that while any incentive is 'good news', it does not address some of the main barriers to EV uptake. He cited how around 70 per cent of new EVs cost more than £40,000, yet the new grant of up to £3,750 is only available at the point of sale for cars priced at or under £37,000, meaning most models won't qualify. He went on to add that, since April this year, owners of EVs costing £40,000 or more have to pay an additional £410 a year in road tax for five years — a total extra cost of £2,050 — which Auto Express has asked the government to reconsider. While Steve said the new grant is a 'welcome boost', he stressed that it's not enough on its own, arguing that to really speed up private EV adoption, the government must drop the luxury car tax for EVs and improve access to charging points, especially for people without home charging. Responding to the criticism, a Department for Transport spokesperson told the Mirror: "The price cap ensures the Electric Car Grant targets the more affordable end of the market, ensuring funding can reach as many people as possible, rather than spending taxpayer's money subsidising luxury cars. The grant is in addition to the £63 million announced this week to support charging infrastructure, making it cheaper and easier for families, businesses and the public sector to make the switch."
The Herald Scotland
4 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Labour nationalises second train company
It had been controlled by Italy's state-owned rail company Trenitalia since 2017. DfT (Department for Transport) Operator, which manages services under public control on behalf of the UK Government, said tickets previously purchased will remain valid. It added that fares are 'not changing as a direct result of the transfer'. The overall passenger satisfaction rating for c2c was 89% in the most recent research by watchdog Transport Focus. This was the joint sixth best performance out of 22 operators. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: 'Whether you're shopping in Lakeside or walking along the beach in Southend-on-Sea, from today you will be able to get there on a train service run by the public, for the public. 'Public ownership is already tackling deep-rooted problems we see on the railway that's led to spiralling costs, fragmentation and waste. 'A unified network under Great British Railways will take this further with one railway under one brand with one mission – delivering excellent services for passengers wherever they travel.' GBR is an upcoming public sector body that will oversee Britain's rail infrastructure and train operation. Ernesto Sicilia, managing director at Trenitalia UK, said: 'As the franchise moves to public ownership, we acknowledge both the progress made and the ongoing challenges of unifying a fragmented rail industry. 'In the meantime, we will continue to support and deliver services on the Avanti West Coast franchise until it too transitions to public ownership in 2026. 'While our role as operator is ending, our dedication to sharing knowledge, supporting innovation and fostering collaboration remains unchanged. 'We recognise that building a resilient and integrated rail network takes time and Trenitalia is determined to play a constructive part in that journey.' South Western Railway became the first operator brought into public ownership by the Labour Government in May. It joined Northern, TransPennine Express, Southeastern and LNER, which were nationalised under the Conservative government because of performance failings by the former owners of those franchises. The next operator to be nationalised will be Greater Anglia on October 12.
