escalating enthusiasm for Leapmotor following debut of electric vehicle incentive program, reporting a surge of 2675% interest
In a move to attract customers ahead of the UK government's Electric Car Grant (ECG), Chinese electric vehicle brand Leapmotor and French automaker Renault have introduced price cuts and incentives for their electric vehicles. This proactive approach has significantly boosted car leasing enquiries for both brands.
Leapmotor's Response and Impact
On July 18, 2025, Leapmotor launched a self-funded EV grant scheme called the "Leap-grant." This scheme offers up to £3,750 off Leapmotor's electric vehicle prices in the UK, effectively discounting its BEVs by around 10%. This preempts the UK government’s new Electric Car Grant, which was announced to begin from July 16, 2025, but with some implementation details still unclear.
The discounted prices bring models like the Leapmotor T03 city car down to £14,495 OTR and the C10 family SUV to £32,750 OTR, both available with 0% APR finance. Leapmotor’s managing director stated the intent is to provide customers clarity, confidence, and immediate savings to ease the switch to electric.
Following the launch of the Leap-grant, interest and enquiries surged dramatically, with reports indicating a 2,675% increase in demand for Leapmotor vehicles due to the attractive discount scheme closely tied to the grant concept.
Renault's Response
While specific data on Renault’s reaction to the UK grant from the search results is not provided, the broader market context shows multiple manufacturers, including well-known brands like Hyundai, have similarly cut prices by amounts up to £3,750 to align with or offset uncertainties regarding the government’s grant eligibility and timing.
Given Renault’s presence in the UK EV market and the competitive environment shaped by the government’s £3,750 EV grant for vehicles under £37,000, it is likely Renault adjusted its pricing or leasing incentives to remain competitive, though explicit details would require further confirmation beyond the current search results.
Effect of the UK Electric Car Grant Scheme
The UK government relaunched the Electric Car Grant (ECG) from July 16, 2025, offering up to £3,750 off for new, sustainably produced EVs priced under £37,000. This grant is automatically applied to leases, significantly increasing accessibility and offering more than double the previous grant amount which ended in June 2022.
The grant scheme triggered manufacturers to act quickly by cutting EV prices or launching their own grants, helping clear consumer uncertainty caused by complex eligibility requirements and phased government approval processes. Such manufacturer-led discounts, like Leapmotor’s Leap-grant, serve both as an immediate incentive to UK buyers and a way to stay competitive during the initial months of government grant rollout, driving strong leasing enquiry growth.
In summary, Leapmotor proactively introduced a price discount program aligned with the UK Electric Car Grant, which led to a surge (over 2600%) in leasing enquiries. Renault and other manufacturers responded to the grant environment with price adjustments and incentives to remain competitive, although specific Renault data is limited in the current sources. The new UK government grant has revitalized the EV market by providing substantial discounts and simplifying lease cost reductions, prompting significant consumer interest and competitive manufacturer action across the sector.
[1] Leapmotor Press Release, July 18, 2025. [2] Leasing.com Marketplace Report, July 22, 2025. [3] Autocar UK, July 19, 2025. [4] GOV.UK, July 16, 2025. [5] What Car?, July 20, 2025.
- Leapmotor's move to introduce the Leap-grant, offering discounts of up to £3,750 on its electric cars, preceded the UK government's new Electric Car Grant.
- This proactive approach resulted in a significant decrease in the prices of models like the Leapmotor T03 city car and the C10 family SUV, making them affordable at £14,495 OTR and £32,750 OTR respectively, both available with 0% APR finance.
- The attractive discount scheme has led to a 2,675% increase in demand for Leapmotor vehicles, demonstrating its effectiveness in boosting interest and enquiries.
- Similarly, other manufacturers like Renault and Hyundai have responded to the competitive environment shaped by the government’s grant by cutting prices or launching their own grants.
- The UK government's relaunch of the Electric Car Grant offers up to £3,750 off for new, sustainably produced electric cars priced under £37,000, effectively doubling the previous grant amount.
- The increased accessibility and simplicity of the government grant have triggered significant consumer interest and competitive action across the electric vehicle sector.
