Top 5 EVs on the Electric Car Grant Scheme for 2026
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Want to save up to £3,750 on a new electric car without any extra paperwork? The UK Government's Electric Car Grant Scheme makes this possible. Launched in July 2025, the scheme automatically discounts eligible EVs when you buy or lease through dealers and manufacturers.
Even better, you can stack the grant with electric car salary sacrifice to save 20-50% more. With a 3% Benefit-in-Kind rate for 2025/26, there's never been a better time to go electric.
What is the Electric Car Grant Scheme?
The Electric Car Grant provides up to £3,750 off new EVs to help the UK reach its 2030 zero-emission vehicle target. To qualify, cars must:
Cost £37,000 or less
Offer a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty (8 years/100,000 miles for batteries)
Be new (not second-hand)
Provide 100+ miles of range
Meet sustainability standards
The grant applies to personal leasing and company electric car schemes, with dealers automatically applying the discount.
The 5 Best EVs on the Electric Car Grant Scheme
Here are our top picks from the first models approved on the scheme.
1. MG4: Best Value Champion
From £22,995 (after grant) | Range: Up to 218 miles | Power: 170-245 PS
The MG4 delivers exceptional value with engaging rear-wheel drive handling and generous equipment. It's one of the most affordable electric cars available without compromising quality.
Top Features:
Engaging rear-wheel drive layout
7-year/80,000-mile warranty (industry-leading)
51 kWh or 64 kWh battery options
10.25-inch touchscreen with smartphone integration
DC rapid charging up to 135 kW
363-litre boot
Perfect for: Budget-conscious drivers who want driving enjoyment. Available through electric car salary sacrifice.
2. Renault 5 E-Tech: Style Icon
From £24,995 (after grant) | Range: Up to 248 miles | Power: 130-150 PS
The Renault 5 E-Tech reimagines a 1970s icon with retro styling and futuristic tech. This compact hatchback proves switching to electric doesn't mean sacrificing personality.
Top Features:
Built-in Google integration (Maps, Assistant, Play Store)
25 driver assistance features
3D-printed cabin personalisation modules
'Reno' voice-activated assistant
40 kWh or 52 kWh batteries
100 kW DC rapid charging
Perfect for: Urban drivers wanting character and practicality. Explore Renault salary sacrifice.
3. Ford Puma Gen E: Compact SUV Perfection
From £29,995 (after grant) | Range: Up to 233 miles | Power: 168 PS
The Ford Puma Gen E brings electric power to the UK's best-selling nameplate. This compact SUV balances city manoeuvrability with practical storage, making it an exceptional all-rounder.
Top Features:
Intelligent adaptive cruise control
Built-in 5G modem
360-degree camera system
Wireless phone charging and screen mirroring
566 litres boot space (class-leading)
100 kW DC rapid charging
Perfect for: Drivers seeking compact dimensions with SUV practicality. Learn about Ford EV salary sacrifice.
4. Nissan Ariya: Family-Friendly SUV
From £32,995 (after grant) | Range: Up to 250 miles | Power: 218-242 PS
The Nissan Ariya delivers proven reliability with decades of EV experience behind it. It's one of the best electric family cars for hassle-free ownership.
Top Features:
EV heat pump as standard
Automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring
e-4ORCE all-wheel drive option
Comfort Advanced suspension
Premium interior materials
466-litre boot (1,945 litres seats folded)
Perfect for: Families wanting proven technology and practicality. Discover Nissan EV salary sacrifice.
5. Vauxhall Grandland: Range Champion
From £33,995 (after grant) | Range: Up to 392 miles | Power: 213 PS
The Vauxhall Grandland delivers nearly 400 miles of range at an accessible price, eliminating range anxiety for long-distance drivers.
Top Features:
Exceptional 392-mile range
Lane Keep Assist and Active Safety Braking
550-litre boot (1,645 litres seats folded)
16-inch touchscreen with dual controls
Comfortable, refined ride
160 kW DC rapid charging
Perfect for: Families taking regular long journeys. Explore Vauxhall salary sacrifice.
Quick Comparison
| Model | Price (After Grant) | Range | Boot Space | Charging |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MG4 | £22,995 | 218 miles | 363L | 135 kW |
| Renault 5 | £24,995 | 248 miles | 326L | 100 kW |
| Ford Puma | £29,995 | 233 miles | 566L | 100 kW |
| Nissan Ariya | £32,995 | 250 miles | 466L | 130 kW |
| Vauxhall Grandland | £33,995 | 392 miles | 550L | 160 kW |
How Much Could You Save?
Example: Ford Puma Gen E
Traditional lease: £480/month
After grant: £375/month
With salary sacrifice: £225-300/month
That's up to £255/month saved, or £3,060 annually. Over three years, you could save over £9,000 by combining the grant with electric car salary sacrifice.
Add The Charge Scheme for 20-50% savings on home charging and public charging, plus reduced maintenance costs, and the savings multiply.
Why Choose The Electric Car Scheme?
Beyond the government grant, The Electric Car Scheme offers:
Complete Employer Protection from day one
The Charge Scheme for 20-50% off all EV charging
All-inclusive packages with servicing, optional insurance, and breakdown cover
3% BiK rate for 2025/26 (vs up to 37% for petrol)
No upfront costs or deposits required
Home charger installation offered
Quick FAQs
Can I get the grant on used EVs?
No, only new electric cars qualify.
How long will the grant run?
Until 2029 or until funding exhausts.
Can I combine it with salary sacrifice?
Yes, and it's the best way to maximise savings.
Do I need to apply separately?
No, dealers automatically apply the discount.
Which cars are eligible?
Check with dealers - more models are being added regularly.
Ready to Go Electric?
With the Electric Car Grant reducing prices by £3,750 and salary sacrifice schemes saving 20-50% more, these five EVs offer unbeatable value. From the budget-friendly MG4 to the long-range Vauxhall Grandland, there's an option for every driver.
Use our EV savings calculator to see exactly how much you could save, or get started with The Electric Car Scheme today.
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Last updated: 23/10/2025
Our pricing is based on data collected from The Electric Car Scheme quote tool. All final pricing is inclusive of VAT. All prices above are based on the following lease terms; 10,000 miles pa, 36 months, and are inclusive of Maintenance and Breakdown Cover. The Electric Car Scheme’s terms and conditions apply. All deals are subject to credit approval and availability. All deals are subject to excess mileage and damage charges. Prices are calculated based on the following tax saving assumptions; England & Wales, 40% tax rate. The above prices were calculated using a flat payment profile. The Electric Car Scheme Limited provides services for the administration of your salary sacrifice employee benefits. The Electric Car Scheme Holdings Limited is a member of the BVRLA (10608), is authorised and regulated by the FCA under FRN 968270, is an Appointed Representative of Marshall Management Services Ltd under FRN 667174, and is a credit broker and not a lender or insurance provider.
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