Motorists in England looking to purchase a new electric vehicle (EV) will benefit from an expanded government grant scheme starting this week. The Labour government has announced that four new car models are now eligible for the £3,750 Electric Car Grant, significantly broadening affordable options for families.
Which Cars Are Now Eligible?
The expansion, effective from Wednesday, 3 December 2025, adds popular models from Mini and Renault to the list. Drivers can now claim the substantial discount on the MINI Countryman Electric, the Renault 4, the Renault 5, and the sporty Renault Alpine A290. This move brings the total number of models qualifying for the top-level grant to an impressive 40.
Labour's Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, emphasised the government's commitment to accelerating EV adoption. "Our Electric Car Grant has already supported over 40,000 drivers to choose electric," she stated. "This latest expansion doubles the number of models available for the top discount – putting thousands of pounds back in more families’ pockets."
Government Doubles Down on EV Support
Alongside the grant expansion, the government is injecting a further £200 million to boost the UK's public charging infrastructure. Alexander explained the dual approach: "We’re doubling down on our drive to help people buy EVs, extending the grant to push down costs and boosting charging access." This investment aims to address one of the key concerns for potential EV buyers: the availability of convenient and reliable charging points.
The industry has welcomed the announcement. Ian Plummer, Commercial Director at Auto Trader, noted a direct correlation between the grant and consumer interest. "The number of people viewing grant-eligible models on Auto Trader [has increased] by over 100% in some instances," he said. He praised the additional funding for charging, stating it is "vital to ensure no driver is left behind on the journey to electric."
Driving Towards the Zero-Emission Goal
The strengthened grant scheme is seen as a crucial tool for meeting the UK's ambitious Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Yselkla Farmer, CEO of industry body BEAMA, highlighted the positive impact: "BEAMA’s latest market pulse shows that the Electric Car Grant is leading to positive trends in new EV inquiries." She added that the government's continued support provides certainty for manufacturers and makes the ZEV mandate "increasingly achievable."
This policy shift under the Labour government represents a significant push to make electric cars a practical and financial reality for a wider range of UK drivers, combining upfront price reductions with long-term infrastructure improvements.
