UK Plug-in Grants (2025): Which Electric & Low-Emission Vehicles Can Get a Discount?
If you are buying a new electric vehicle (or certain low-emission commercial vehicles) in the UK, you may be eligible for a government plug-in grant. In most cases, you do not apply—the discount is typically applied by the seller at the point of purchase.
1) Overview: how the plug-in grant works
The UK plug-in grant is designed to reduce the upfront cost of eligible low-emission vehicles. In practice, the grant normally appears as a discount in the purchase price, applied by the seller (not a cash rebate you claim later).
- Ask the seller to confirm the vehicle is approved for the grant (model/variant matters).
- Request the invoice or order form showing the grant discount line applied.
- Double-check delivery lead times—some grants are tied to “new” vehicle status and registration timing.
- Different vehicle types have different rules and caps (cars vs vans vs trucks vs taxis).
- Some schemes have limited numbers of grants or operational constraints for applicants.
- Lists can change—always verify against GOV.UK on the day you buy.
Quick summary of maximum discounts (by vehicle type)
| Vehicle type | How the discount is described | Maximum discount (cap) | Where to verify eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars | Band-based discount (eligible zero tailpipe CO₂ cars) | Up to £3,750 (Band 1) or up to £1,500 (Band 2) | GOV.UK cars list |
| Wheelchair accessible vehicles | 35% discount (subject to cap and criteria) | Up to £2,500 | GOV.UK WAV guidance |
| Motorcycles | 35% discount (subject to cap and criteria) | Up to £500 | GOV.UK motorcycles list |
| Vans | 35% discount (subject to cap and criteria) | Up to £2,500 (small) or up to £5,000 (large) | GOV.UK vans list |
| Trucks | 20% discount (subject to cap and criteria) | Up to £16,000 (small) or up to £25,000 (large) | GOV.UK trucks list |
| Taxis | 20% discount (subject to cap and criteria) | Up to £4,000 | GOV.UK taxis list |
Note: “Maximum discount” is a cap. Actual discount depends on scheme rules and the specific eligible vehicle/variant.
2) Cars: eligibility and Band 1 vs Band 2 discounts
The UK electric car grant is limited to new low/zero-emission cars that meet technical and sustainability requirements, and that are explicitly listed as eligible. The discount is banded:
Examples of vehicles shown as eligible on GOV.UK include:
- Citroën ë-C5 Aircross Long Range
- Ford E-Tourneo Courier
- Ford Puma Gen-E
- MINI Countryman Electric
- Nissan LEAF
- Renault 4
- Renault 5 (52 kWh)
- Renault Alpine A290
Always validate the exact trim/battery configuration against the latest list.
The Band 2 list is broader and can include multiple manufacturers and models.
- Examples shown on GOV.UK include: Volkswagen ID.3 / ID.4 / ID.5, Nissan Ariya, Skoda Enyaq, Vauxhall Corsa Electric, and others.
Because Band 2 contains many variants, ask the dealer for written confirmation that your exact vehicle is included.
Expert buying checklist (cars)
- Confirm the grant is applied on the order form (not “promised later”).
- Ask about warranty terms (vehicle + battery) and ensure they align with grant requirements.
- If you are planning a home charger, confirm the car’s onboard charging rate (e.g., 7 kW vs 11 kW AC) so you size your equipment correctly.
3) Wheelchair accessible vehicles (WAV): what qualifies
The WAV plug-in grant is designed for eligible vehicles converted from passenger vehicles. The discount is described as 35% of the purchase price, capped at £2,500, subject to eligibility conditions and availability.
4) Motorcycles: the plug-in motorcycle grant
Some zero-emission motorcycles can be sold with a 35% discount, capped at £500, for eligible models that meet range and price criteria.
If you are charging at home, confirm the plug type and charging method (many electric motorcycles use domestic sockets or specific onboard chargers rather than dedicated wallboxes).
5) Vans: small vs large grants (business-critical)
The plug-in van grant can materially reduce the total cost of ownership—particularly for fleets and trades. It typically appears as a 35% discount with different caps for small and large vans.
| Category | Weight class (gross vehicle weight) | Key emissions/range concept | Max discount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small vans | Below 2,500 kg | Low tailpipe CO₂ and an all-electric/zero-emission driving capability threshold | Up to £2,500 |
| Large vans | 2,500 kg to 4,250 kg | Low tailpipe CO₂ and an all-electric/zero-emission driving capability threshold | Up to £5,000 |
Operational guidance (vans)
- For depot charging, prioritise: electrical capacity planning, load management, and duty-cycle (daily mileage) modelling.
- Confirm whether your fleet needs AC-only charging or has a business case for DC charging.
- Ensure drivers have a clear “charging SOP” to avoid downtime (plug etiquette, cable checks, preconditioning, etc.).
6) Trucks: small (N2) and large (N3) grants
For commercial operators, the truck grants are described as 20% discounts with significant caps: up to £16,000 for eligible small trucks and up to £25,000 for eligible large trucks, subject to criteria such as reduced CO₂ versus an equivalent Euro VI vehicle and a minimum zero-emission operating capability.
7) Taxis: the plug-in taxi grant
Eligible purpose-built taxis can be sold at a 20% discount, capped at £4,000, subject to eligibility criteria including low CO₂ and a minimum zero-emission driving capability.
Taxi operators should prioritise charging access strategy: home charging (if feasible), rank/forecourt agreements, and reliable public rapid hubs for shift continuity.
What this means for your charger choice (home and business)
A vehicle discount is valuable—but it is only part of the ownership equation. The other half is charging reliability, speed, and operating cost. Here is how we advise UK buyers to connect the dots:
Homeowners
- Match the wallbox to the car’s onboard charger (buying “more kW” than the car can accept rarely pays back).
- Plan cable reach and parking position first—then select tethered vs untethered.
- Consider smart scheduling to charge off-peak where your tariff supports it.
Businesses & fleets
- Start with a duty-cycle map: vehicles, routes, dwell time, and peak simultaneity.
- Install for expansion (spare ways, ducting, and board capacity), not just “day one.”
- Use active load management to reduce upgrade costs and improve utilisation.
FAQ: UK plug-in grants
Do I need to apply for the plug-in grant myself?
Typically, no. For most buyers the seller applies the grant as a discount in the purchase price. Where an application is required, it is usually handled by the dealership or manufacturer via an online portal.
Can I assume any EV qualifies?
No. Eligibility is model-specific and requires government approval. Always verify against the latest official list for your exact model/variant.
Will the discount show on the invoice?
It should. Ask the dealer to show the grant deduction clearly on the order form or invoice documentation before you commit.
How should I budget for charging after buying an EV?
Budget for the charger hardware, installation, any electrical upgrades, and an ongoing tariff strategy (off-peak charging can materially reduce cost per mile). For fleets, treat charging as an infrastructure program with staged rollout and load management.
