Thirteen additional vehicles are eligible for the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program, as announced.

Thirteen additional vehicles are eligible for the Electric Vehicle Incentive Program, as announced.

The UK government is making it easier and cheaper for families to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) by adding the Electric Car Grant (ECG) to car manufacturers' deals, rather than replacing official discounts. This week alone, discounts on 17 car models have been announced, according to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.

The ECG applies to EVs costing up to £37,000, focusing on more affordable models rather than premium EVs. Some of the latest EVs eligible for the £1,500 ECG include the new Renault 5 E-Tech, Nissan Micra, Vauxhall Corsa Electric, and the anticipated Nissan Leaf, made in the UK with batteries assembled there, which is expected to qualify for the full £3,750 ECG.

To qualify for the UK's ECG, manufacturers must meet strict sustainability and environmental standards aimed at reducing carbon emissions throughout the vehicle's lifecycle, including manufacturing. Key requirements include holding a verified Science-Based Target (SBT), demonstrating progress in emission reductions specifically on vehicle assembly and battery cell production emissions, supporting circular economy principles like battery recycling and lifecycle responsibility, providing transparent supply chain reporting, and operating recognized environmental management systems such as ISO 14001.

The ECG is divided into two bands depending on the manufacturer's sustainability standards:

1. Band 1 (£3,750 grant): Requires full SBT validation, proven emission reduction progress, use of at least 80% renewable electricity in operations, and adherence to the highest sustainability standards across manufacturing and supply chains.
2. Band 2 (£1,500 grant): For vehicles meeting baseline environmental criteria but not the highest standards.

Manufacturers must maintain these standards annually to keep eligibility, with the Department for Transport reviewing compliance regularly. The grant applies only to approved models listed officially, effective from July 16, 2025, and is automatically applied at the vehicle purchase point without buyer intervention.

The new Vauxhall Frontera starts from £22,495, which is £1,760 less than its petrol hybrid equivalent. The grants are provided as part of the government's £650m ECG scheme and are automatically applied with no paperwork required from customers. For the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, an extra £500 is provided for a home charger or public charging.

In summary, the sustainability standards required for the ECG focus on certified carbon reduction targets (Science-Based Targets), transparent and responsible supply chains, circular economy practices, and environmentally-managed production processes to ensure that the grant supports not only zero-emission vehicles but also cleaner manufacturing.

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