The UK government has kicked off a major new initiative designed to accelerate the nation's shift away from traditional fuel cars. Dubbed the 'Get that electric feeling' campaign, the drive from the Department for Transport aims to highlight the financial and practical benefits of switching to an electric vehicle (EV).
What the Electric Car Grant Offers
At the heart of the campaign is the existing Electric Car Grant, a financial incentive for buyers. The scheme provides a discount of up to £3,750 on eligible new electric cars with a purchase price under £37,000. Some models with higher price caps may also qualify for a reduced grant of £1,500.
This government support is applied directly at the point of sale, meaning drivers do not need to apply separately. The dealer simply includes the grant as a discount. To be eligible, vehicles must meet strict criteria including zero tailpipe emissions (0g/km), a minimum range of 100 miles on a single charge, and come with a substantial battery warranty. Manufacturers must apply to have their models included in the scheme, which is set to run until March 2030.
Government and Industry Backing for the Switch
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister, Keir Maher, emphasised the campaign's goal of showcasing the advantages of electric driving to millions. "Our campaign is here to show millions of Brits the benefits of making the switch, which could save their family budget thousands," he stated.
Maher also pointed to the rapidly expanding infrastructure, noting: "With over 87,000 public chargers across the UK and thousands more on the way, our message is clear - going electric has never been easier and under this Government, you can save thousands when you do."
Official data reveals that the grant is already having a significant impact, with over 50,000 drivers having secured savings through it so far.
A Growing Market with Momentum
The campaign builds on a strong upward trend in EV adoption. Industry research from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that one in every four new cars bought in 2025 was electric.
The figures from 2025 paint a clear picture of changing consumer habits:
- Sales of battery electric vehicles surged by 23.9 per cent.
- Petrol car registrations fell by eight per cent.
- Diesel registrations saw a more pronounced drop of 15.6 per cent.
With the high-profile 'Get that electric feeling' campaign only launching six months ago, the government and industry analysts are predicting that 2026 could be a landmark year for the electric vehicle market across the United Kingdom.
