New government EV grant: What it means for local drivers and businesses

Written by Ben Wileman from Select Car Leasing East Midlands 

There’s good news on the road ahead for anyone thinking about switching to electric – the Government has launched a brand-new Electric Car Grant (ECG), offering up to £3,750 off the cost of a new EV.

The scheme is designed to make zero-emission driving more accessible and affordable, and it’s especially welcome for small businesses and sole traders across our region looking to cut running costs and lower their carbon footprint.

So, what’s the deal?

The new Electric Car Grant is available on eligible electric vehicles (EVs) priced at £37,000 or less. The grant is automatically applied at the point of lease or sale by the manufacturer or dealership – meaning there’s no application process or extra paperwork for you.

The maximum discount of £3,750 is more than double the amount offered under the previous Plug-in Car Grant, which ended in 2022.

And in addition to the discount, the Government has pledged a further £63 million to improve EV charging infrastructure across the UK – including support for home chargers for those without driveways.

Who qualifies?

To be eligible, cars must be:

Brand new

Fully electric (no tailpipe emissions)

Have a range of at least 100 miles

Priced at or below £37,000

Manufactured by a company meeting new sustainability criteria

More details – including which models qualify – are expected in early August.

What does this mean for leasing?

If you lease your EV through Select Car East Midlands, the grant is already built into the cost – there’s nothing extra you need to do. The manufacturer applies the discount directly, and your monthly lease price reflects the reduced cost.

Why is this important for our local business community?

Whether you’re a small business owner, freelancer, or company car driver, this grant can help you upgrade to a modern, eco-friendly vehicle while keeping costs low. Leasing an EV is already one of the most affordable ways to access a new car – and with the new ECG in place, it’s even more compelling.

We’re proud to help drivers and businesses across the region make the switch to electric. With a wide range of models in stock and expert advice on hand, we’re here to help you take advantage of this new opportunity.

Thinking of making the move to electric?

Get in touch with Select Car East Midlands today or browse our latest EV deals.