Confused about electric car grants in the UK? Here is the honest picture for 2026: there is money available, but you need to know where to look.
The Electric Car Grant (ECG) is the big one. Launched in 2025 as the successor to the old Plug-in Car Grant, it offers a discount of up to £3,750 (Band 1) or £1,500 (Band 2) on qualifying new EVs priced at or below £37,000. It is applied automatically at the dealership — no paperwork for you. Qualifying models include the MG4, Nissan Leaf, Renault Megane E-Tech and several Vauxhall, Peugeot and Skoda models.
Home chargepoint grants: if you are a renter or live in a flat with off-street parking, the EV Chargepoint Grant covers up to £500 (75% of the cost) toward a home charger. Landlords can claim up to £500 per socket through the EV Infrastructure Grant, and workplaces can get up to £500 per socket through the Workplace Charging Scheme.
Plug-in van and taxi grants are still active — up to £5,000 for large vans and £2,500 for small vans, plus up to £4,000 for eligible taxis.
Company car drivers win big. Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) on pure EVs is just 3-4% of the car's value in 2026/27, compared with 37%+ for many petrol cars. If your employer offers salary sacrifice, an EV can save a higher-rate taxpayer £8,000-£15,000 over three years.
Scottish residents can also access interest-free loans of up to £23,000 for used EVs through Energy Saving Trust.
A few caveats: the ECG only applies to cars priced at or below £37,000 and depends on sustainability criteria. Grants change at each Budget, so always confirm the latest details on gov.uk before ordering.
Ready to buy? Start with our guide to the best EVs in the UK, and check the used EV buying guide if you are shopping second-hand.
