Plug-in Car Grant - what is it worth and how can you claim it?
3rd Nov 2021
Follow our step-by-step guide where we answer your most asked questions about the Plug-In Car Grant and explain how to get it.
With the world trying to head towards zero-emissions and reducing our carbon footprint, the demand to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) is increasing. Car manufacturers are preparing to halt the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK by 2030, so it’s vitally important the Government is prepared to lend a hand when the time comes for us to make the transition.
The Government has offered money towards the purchase of an eligible plug-in vehicle for many years, though there have been changes along the way and we don't know exactly how long the scheme will last for.
But fear not - if you follow our guide to the Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) below, and buy an electric vehicle of course, you could save yourself a large chunk of cash.
Can I get help to switch to an electric vehicle?
Yes, the Government will help you make the transition from an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle to an electric vehicle (EV) by means of the Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG).
What is the Plug-in Car Grant?
The Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) is a grant that is offered by the Government to help UK drivers afford buying a plug-in electric vehicle. It’s also an incentive that was set up to help reduce local pollution as well as the UK’s overall CO2 emissions.
How much can I get from the grant?
The scheme has been in place for 10 years, but as of December 2021, the Government will pay for 35% of the purchase price up to a maximum of £1,500 for purchasing an electric vehicle that is priced under £32,000. However, anyone purchasing a vehicle priced over this amount will not qualify.
Fiat 500 electric with and without the plug-in car grant
Without the Plug-in Car Grant:
£23,495 - £33,495 RRP (depending on spec and model)
With the Plug-in Car Grant worth £1,500:
£21,995 - £31,995
Are company cars also eligible for the Plug-in Car Grant?*
The Government fully supports the switch to electric vehicles and this includes company vehicles with tax incentives, such as company car tax rates. Company car drivers can expect to save over £2,000 per year when switching to an EV.
How do I apply for the Plug-in Car Grant when purchasing a new EV?
You don’t have to do anything because the dealer will automatically include the grant into the price of the electric vehicle.
Which electric vehicles qualify for the Plug-in Car Grant?*
There are seven categories of vehicles, and these are:
- Cars
- Small vans
- Large vans
- Taxis
- Trucks
- Motorcycles
- Mopeds
However, not all vehicles will qualify for the PiCG. Only vehicles that have been approved by the government will be eligible for the grant.
Which cars are eligible for the Plug-in Car Grant?
These will be cars that have CO2 emissions less than 50g/km and be able to travel 70 miles without any emissions at all. Below is a list of example cars that were Plug-in Car Grant approved before the grant's reduction in December 2021. For a fully updated comprehensive list of Plug-in Car Grant eligible vehicles, please visit the government's website.
Plug-in car grant eligible cars before December 2021:
- BMW i3
- BMW i3s
- Citroën ë-Berlingo
- Citroën ë-C4
- Citroën ë-Spacetourer – Business Edition
- DS 3 Crossback E-Tense - Prestige
- DS 3 Crossback E-Tense - Performance Line
- Fiat 500e
- Honda e
- Hyundai IONIQ Electric - Premium
- Hyundai IONIQ Electric - Premium SE
- Hyundai KONA Electric (39kWh) - SE Connect
- Hyundai KONA Electric (39kWh) - Premium
- Hyundai KONA Electric (64kWh) - Premium
- Kia e-Niro (39kWh) - 2
- Kia e-Niro (64kWh) - 2
- Kia Soul EV
- Mazda MX-30
- MG MG5 EV (52.5kWh)
- MG MG5 EV (61.1kWh)
- MG ZS EV
- MINI Electric
- Nissan e-NV200 (5 Seater)
- Nissan e-NV200 (7 Seater)
- Nissan Leaf
- Peugeot e-Rifter
- Peugeot e-208
- Peugeot e-2008 - Active Premium
- Peugeot e-2008 - Allure
- Peugeot e-2008 - Allure Premium
- Renault ZOE
- SEAT Mii electric
- Skoda Citigo-e iV
- Skoda ENYAQ iV 60
- Smart EQ fortwo
- Smart EQ forfour
- Vauxhall Corsa-e
- Vauxhall Mokka-e
- Vauxhall Vivaro-e Life - Combi
- Volkswagen e-Golf
- Volkswagen e-up!
- Volkswagen ID.3 Pro (58kWh 145PS)
- Volkswagen ID.3 Pro Performance (58kWh 204PS) - Family
- Volkswagen ID.3 Pro Performance (58kWh 204PS) - Life
- Volkswagen ID.3 Pure Performance (45kWh 150PS)
- Volkswagen ID.4 Pure (52kWh 148PS) - Life
Which small vans are eligible for the Plug-in Car Grant?*
Vans with less than 2,500kg gross vehicle weight and have less than 50g/km of CO2 emissions but be able to travel at least 60 miles without any emissions at all. This category means that the PiCG will pay for 35% of the purchase price, up to a maximum grant value of £3,000. Below is a list of example small vans that were Plug-in Car Grant approved before the grant's reduction in December 2021. For a fully updated comprehensive list of Plug-in Car Grant eligible vehicles, please visit the government's website.
Plug-in car grant eligible small vans before December 2021:
- Citroën e-Berlingo
- Maxus eDeliver 3 (short wheelbase variants)
- Nissan e-NV200
- Nissan Voltia
- Peugeot e-Partner
- Renault Kangoo ZE
- Renault Zoe Van
- Vauxhall Combo-e
Which large vans are eligible for the Plug-in Car Grant?*
Vans between 2,500kg and 3,500kg gross vehicle weight and have less than 50g/km of CO2 emissions but be able to travel at least 60 miles without any emissions at all. This category means that the PiCG will pay for 35% of the purchase price, up to a maximum grant value of £6,000. Below is a list of example large vans that were Plug-in Car Grant approved before the grant's reduction in December 2021. For a fully updated comprehensive list of Plug-in Car Grant eligible vehicles, please visit the government's website.
Plug-in car grant eligible large vans before December 2021:
- BD Auto eTraffic
- BD Auto eDucato (3.5 tonnes)
- Citroën e-Dispatch
- Fiat e-Ducato
- LEVC VN5
- MAN eTGE
- Maxus eDeliver 3
- Maxus eDeliver 9
- Mercedes-Benz eVito
- Mercedes eSprinter
- Peugeot e-Expert
- Renault Master ZE (3.1 and 3.5 tonnes)
- Renault Trucks Master ZE
- Toyota Proace Electric
- Vauxhall Vivaro-e
- Volkswagen ABT e-Transporter
- LDV EV80
Which taxis are eligible for the Plug-in Car Grant?*
These must be purpose-built taxis with CO2 emissions less 50g/km and be able to travel 70 miles without any emissions at all. The Government will pay 20% of the purchase price, up to a maximum grant value of £7,500. Below is a list of example taxis that were Plug-in Car Grant approved before the grant's reduction in December 2021. For a fully updated comprehensive list of Plug-in Car Grant eligible vehicles, please visit the government's website.
Plug-in car grant eligible taxis before December 2021:
- Dynamo Taxi
- LEVC TX
Are trucks eligible for the Plug-in Car Grant?*
Yes, but these vehicles must be between 3,500kg and 12,000kg gross vehicle weight and produce at least 50% less than an equivalent Euro VI truck carrying the same capacity. They must also be able to travel 60 miles without any emissions at all. A PiCG is available that will cover 20% of the purchase price and up to a maximum grant of £16,000. However, this grant is available for the first 250 orders that are placed. Plus, any grants valued at £16,000 are limited to 10 per customer. When a limit of 250 orders has been reached, then a maximum PiCG valued at £6,000 will apply.
Can I have an EV charger fitted at home?
Yes, and it's definitely worth having one fitted at home. It's not a difficult process with little fuss and mess involved and will generally take less than a day to install. You can browse a range of home EV charge points on our website here.
