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UK’s £650m Electric Car Grant Draws Criticism Over Eligibility and Charger Gaps

Industry figures warn that restrictive price caps coupled with complex eligibility rules leave most electric models ineligible

Overview

  • The grant scheme went live on July 20 and offers up to £3,750 off new electric cars priced at or below £37,000, with dealers set to apply discounts within weeks.
  • The government simultaneously unveiled a £63 million fund to expand EV charging infrastructure across public and private sites.
  • Experts note that around 70 percent of new EV models exceed the £37,000 cap, meaning most cars will not qualify for the subsidy.
  • Manufacturers face uncertainty because eligibility is tied to Science Based Targets and vehicle assembly locations, complicating model approval.
  • Stakeholders warn that inadequate charging coverage, especially for the 40 percent of households without driveways, continues to deter private EV buyers.