Electric Car Grant 2025: everything you need to know

The ECG is a government discount applied at the point of sale to eligible brand-new, fully electric cars priced at £37,000 RRP or less. There are two bands: £3,750 for models that achieve the scheme’s highest sustainability score, and £1,500 for models that meet the core criteria. The sustainability criteria is based around what are called Science Based Targets, and not every car maker makes the grade – but Renault does, which is why the award-winning Renault EV range is eligible for the Electric Car Grant.

Crucially, your dealer handles all the paperwork on your behalf – you simply see the saving on the order form or finance quote.

The government confirmed the rebooted scheme in July 2025 with £650m-worth of funding and more eligible cars have been added through the summer. Recent DfT updates also underline that the discount is automatic, with no paperwork for customers.

Renault has leaned in early – the full Renault E-Tech electric range is already eligible for the £1,500 grant (Band 2) and there are a host of tempting offers currently available across the range. So whether you want the Renault 5 E-Tech electric, Scenic E-Tech electric, Renault 4 E-Tech electric, or Megane E-Tech electric they’re all available with the Electric Car Grant and a range of additional Renault offers.

If you’re still researching the line-up, the Renault EV hub is a handy one stop shop for details on models, specs, range and charging, with deeper tech explainers on battery, charging and Renault’s E-Tech platforms.

To qualify for the ECG, cars must meet clear, consumer-friendly standards laid out by government:

• Price cap: £37,000 RRP or below (the government defines RRP for the grant; retailers apply the discount to the qualifying price).
• Zero exhaust pipe emissions: Battery-electric only. 
• Range: At least 100 miles (WLTP). 
• Warranties: Minimum 8 years/100,000 miles on the traction battery (with replacement if capacity falls below 70% in that period), plus 3 years/60,000 miles for the vehicle. 
• Sustainability: Manufacturers must meet environmental thresholds (including low carbon assembly and verified climate targets) to unlock the higher £3,750 band.

If you’re buying through a lease or PCP scheme, the grant still applies, reducing the on-the-road price used to calculate payments. Again, you don’t submit anything; the saving is baked into your quote by your retailer.

A quick reality check on the Electric Car Grant banding: as of late August, government updates show most approved cars receive £1,500, with only a handful hitting £3,750. The list evolves, so check the latest official page before you sign.

1. Choose your Renault from the eligible EV range and confirm the grant is included on your order or finance summary. 
2. Lock in the deal: compare PCP/lease offers alongside total ownership costs using Renault’s handy running cost calculator.
3. Your Renault retailer applies via the government portal; you do no paperwork. The discount appears on your invoice/quote.

No driveway? No worries – you’re still included. The EV Chargepoint Grant provides up to £350 (75% of cost) towards a home chargepoint for renters and flat-owners with private off-street parking – and the installer handles the claim. The scheme is open currently open until 31 March 2026.

Pair that with Mobilize Power Solutions for a seamless install and smart-charging tools. Renault’s Mobilize Smart Charge app syncs with intelligent off-peak tariffs to schedule charging automatically and help reduce your energy bill.

If you’re running a business the Workplace Charging Scheme covers up to £350 per socket for up to 40 sockets across your sites (75% of the install cost) – a straightforward way to reduce employee running costs and support fleet electrification.

If you need carrying capacity, the Plug-in Van & Truck Grant continues to at least 2027. Discounts are up to £2,500 (small vans) and up to £5,000 (large vans), with higher amounts for trucks – again, automatically applied at purchase. If a Kangoo E-Tech electric is on your radar, it’s worth factoring this Grant in early when comparing lease quotes.

Grants are one thing, but whole-life costs are where EVs often win. Renault’s latest E-Tech models combine efficient motors, lightweight platforms and over-the-air updates to keep running costs under control. Renault’s total cost of ownership calculator can show you how much you can save.

And because charging is half the story, Mobilize makes ownership simple – from home hardware and installation guidance to nationwide roaming with Mobilize Charge Pass. If you like your costs predictable, smart charging plus the Electric Car Grant can make a compelling case.

£1,500 or £3,750, depending on the vehicle’s sustainability band – and only for new EVs with an RRP under £37,000.

No. Your Renault retailer handles the claim; you see the discount on your order or finance quote.

Yes – Renault’s full award-winning E-Tech electric range currently qualifies for the £1,500 band. See models and offers here: Renault Electric Car Grant and Renault offers.

Yes – up to £350 via the EV Chargepoint Grant (installer claims on your behalf).

Steve is a leading UK automotive journalist, EV editor at The Independent, editor of Auto Express, Autocar and What Car?, and a global car awards judge and broadcaster.

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This article is advertorial content reviewed by Renault prior to publication.