Biggest EV discounts: the best electric car deals

Discounts on electric cars have out-accelerated savings on new petrol and diesel models recently. So, here we name the biggest EV deals available...

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by
George Hill
Published16 February 2024

Discounts on new electric cars have increased by 204% since January 2023, according to exclusive What Car? research.

Why has there been an acceleration in the number of available discounts? Well, there are a number of reasons, including the upcoming ZEV Mandate and a low uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) among private buyers.

The up side of this if you are looking to go electric is that manufacturers are attempting to ramp up interest with some tempting new EV deals, including on a number of electric SUVs. This is evident by the number of car makers now offering double-digit percentage discounts, including Audi, Fiat, Ford, Honda, Jeep and Vauxhall. 

Ford Mustang Mach-E with Target Price logo

In this instance, we're naming the 12 biggest electric car discounts available right now, with several of those brands included in this story.

If any of the cars here take your fancy, simply click on the relevant links to read more or see brand-new examples that are in stock now.

Our pick: 335kW eDrive50 Excellence 105.7kWh 4dr Auto

0-62mph: 5.5 sec
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 500 litres
Insurance group: 50E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Stunning interior
  • Impressive optional 8K cinema screen
  • Extremely comfy for all occupants

Weaknesses

  • Desirable options are very expensive
  • Boot has a comparatively small opening

Version M70 | List price £124,605 | Target Price £116,874 | Saving £10,088

There's no doubt that the BMW i7 is a big, luxurious and expensive electric car, but it does come with a hefty discount to try and lure in buyers.

In this instance, the biggest saving is on the range-topping M70 model. It has three electric motors that combine to produce 650bhp, which means that you and your passengers can be hustled along from 0-62mph in just 3.7sec.

We mention passengers here, because the i7 is an excellent car to be driven around in. There's an enormous amount of rear leg room, and material quality is excellent. If you're keen to sit in the driver's seat, though, the i7 is a fabulous car to drive with its hushed cruising manners and a wonderfully plush ride. 

Read our in-depth BMW i7 review

Our pick: 1.2 Turbo GS 5dr Auto

0-62mph: 9.2 sec
MPG/range: 46.3mpg
CO2 emissions: 137g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 350 litres
Insurance group: 19E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Pretty comfortable
  • Impressively quiet at speed
  • Plenty of standard kit

Weaknesses

  • Niro EV and ID 3 have longer ranges
  • Cheap feeling interior
  • Not that quick by EV standards

Version 100kW Ultimate | List price £41,295 | Target Price £31,816 | Saving £9479

The Vauxhall Mokka Electric is a stylish and sophisticated electric SUV, and there are plenty of reasons to recommend it other than its huge financial saving.

For instance, it's one of the more comfortable and quiet electric SUVs to drive, with minimal wind and road noise. It's also very generously equipped; this top-spec Ultimate version offers the biggest discount in the range and plenty of standard kit, including automatic parking assist, an adjustable boot floor and matrix LED headlights.  

It’s worth noting that when it comes to practicality, the Kia Niro EV gets our nod, and the Smart #1 has a nicer interior and can travel further between charges.

Read our in-depth Vauxhall Mokka Electric review

Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • One of the quietest cars we’ve ever tested
  • Spacious and luxurious interior
  • Great infotainment system

Weaknesses

  • Air suspension and rear-wheel steering available only on pricier xDrive50
  • xDrive40 has a disappointing real-world range
  • Teslas have a better charging infrastructure

Version M60 | List price £124,605 | Target Price £116,874 | Saving £7731

The iX is the biggest of BMW's electric SUVs, and combines distinctive looks with a soothing and opulent interior.

Like the BMW i7, the car quoted here is the range-topping model. Called the M60, it uses a dual-motor set-up for a combined power output of 610bhp, which means the iX is startlingly quick with a 0-62mph time of 3.8sec. That said, we'd recommend going for the xDrive50; it's just as quick (0-62mph takes 4.6sec) and it can travel slightly farther between charges.

The iX is particularly good when it comes to ride comfort, especially in xDrive50 and M60 forms. These versions come with air suspension as standard, which helps it deal with road imperfections much better than the Jaguar I-Pace.

Read our in-depth BMW iX review

Our pick: 300kW 55 Quattro 114kWh Sport 5dr Auto

0-62mph: 5.6 sec
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 569 litres
Insurance group: 49E
Reliability
Safety
Costs
Quality
Performance

Strengths

  • Cosseting ride
  • Very smooth and quiet
  • Spacious and luxurious interior

Weaknesses

  • Distracting climate controls
  • Some rivals are more fun
  • Vorsprung trim is pricey

Version SQ8 Vorsprung | List price £119,465 | Target Price £111,754 | Saving £7711

It may come as no surprise to see another luxurious electric SUV on this list, but in this instance it's the Q8 e-tron.

It's Audi's rival for the BMW iX, and it's equally good if you prioritise ride comfort. Unlike the iX, all versions of the Q8 e-tron come with air suspension as standard, including the entry-level car.

The biggest discount you can get in the model range is with the SQ8 version, which comes with a slightly firmer suspension set-up than the 50 and 55 models. You do, at least, get a huge amount of kit as standard, with this range-topping Vorsprung trim coming with a panoramic roof, rear sun blinds and heated front and rear seats as standard. You also get the Extended Twin Leather pack on top, which adds leather on the dashboard and centre console for an even more luxurious feel.

Read our in-depth Audi Q8 e-tron review

Our pick: 198kW Select 72kWh RWD 5dr Auto

0-62mph: 7.4 sec
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 402 litres
Insurance group: 37E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Generous amount of standard equipment
  • Extended Range versions have a long battery range
  • Good infotainment system

Weaknesses

  • Average ride
  • Inconsistent handling
  • So-so build quality for the class

Version Select | List price £50,830 | Target Price £43,830 | Saving £7000

Previously, the Mustang Mach-E hasn't be subjected to heavy discounting. However, times are changing, and this entry-level Select model is now offered with a big saving off the list price.

Despite that, the Mach-E remains a compelling electric SUV; this Select version has a 265bhp rear-mounted electric motor that delivers a 0-62mph time of 6.9sec. That's more than enough power for most situations, and it's certainly a lot quicker than the VW ID 4 Pro Performance.

In other areas, the Mustang Mach-E is practical and well equipped, but an average ride, so-so build quality and relatively slow maximum charging rate are a bit disappointing, especially compared with the Genesis GV60 and Kia EV6.

Read our in-depth Ford Mustang Mach-E review

Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Relatively well priced
  • Respectable charging speeds
  • Plenty of standard kit

Weaknesses

  • Disappointing Euro NCAP safety rating
  • Rivals are nicer to drive
  • Reliability could be better

Version 115kW Ultimate | List price £38,585 | Target Price £31,718 | Saving £6867

For years, the Vauxhall Corsa has been one of Britain’s favourite cars, enjoying popularity with driving instructors and families alike. But when it comes to discounts, the petrol-powered version can’t touch the Vauxhall Corsa Electric.

The promise of 246 miles between charges, when fitted with the larger battery, is good, but a so-so driving experience, average refinement and a cheap-feeling interior are all black marks against an otherwise decent electric car. Certainly the Mini Electric offers more in these areas, especially when you factor in the price tag – even with the discount, it’s still expensive.

Read our in-depth Vauxhall Corsa Electric review

Our pick: 250kW eDrive40 Sport Edition 84kWh 4dr Auto

0-62mph: 6 sec
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 490 litres
Insurance group: 43E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Tidy handling
  • Excellent refinement
  • Well built and spacious interior

Weaknesses

  • An expensive private buy
  • You'll want to add some options
  • Range and efficiency are good rather than great

Version M60 | List price £109,945 | Target Price £103,403 | Saving £6542

Unlike the Mercedes EQE, which is based on bespoke electric car underpinnings, the BMW i5 is a fully electric version of the combustion-powered BMW 5 Series.

As a rival for the EQE, the i5 is a more complete package. It provides a much better balance of agility and ride comfort, while the interior offers more leg and head room in the back. We suspect this is partly helped by the fact that the i5 is closely related to the BMW i7, which in itself offers similar qualities (but in a larger package).

While all of this might sound tempting, the i5 is very expensive – especially in range-topping M60 form. The eDrive40 is slightly less expensive, but it's still not cheap – even with our Target Price discount factored in.

Read our in-depth BMW i5 review

Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Smart interior
  • Decent to drive
  • Well equipped

Weaknesses

  • Expensive
  • Cramped in the back
  • Driving position won’t suit everyone

Version 115kW GT | List price £36,250 | Target Price £31,015 | Saving £5235

The Peugeot e-208 might be a small electric car, but it does come with a big price tag. As a result, Peugeot's offering a £5235 saving on the range-topping version of the car.

This makes it much better value than before, because it is a pleasant electric car on the whole. It's good to drive, with a comfortable ride and tidy handling, and the interior has a nice mix of materials. Overall, it's a more appealing electric car than the closely-related Vauxhall Corsa Electric.

Even though the entry-level version is our favourite, GT trim does come very well equipped; it gives you a 10.0in digital driver's display, full LED headlights, a wireless charging pad and ambient interior lighting as standard.

Read our in-depth Peugeot e-208 review

Our pick: 1.2 PureTech 130 Allure 5dr

0-62mph: 9.7 sec
MPG/range: 52.7mpg
CO2 emissions: 121g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 434 litres
Insurance group: 16E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Smart, solid-feeling interior
  • Impressively quiet and comfortable
  • Strong efficiency makes the most of smaller battery capacity

Weaknesses

  • Some rivals have a longer range
  • Driving position won’t suit everyone
  • Limited rear seat space

Version 115kW GT | List price £40,700 | Target Price £35,508 | Saving £5192

Peugeot has recently updated the e-2008 to keep it competitive with new electric SUV rivals, including the Hyundai Kona Electric, Smart #1 and Volvo EX30.

The biggest change includes a revised electric motor, which now produces 154bhp, and a larger 54kWh (total) battery. The result is improved performance (0-62mph takes 9.1sec) and a longer official range of 250 miles (up from 214 miles).

We also like its smart interior and generous kit list (the range-topping GT model comes with full adaptive LED headlights and wireless phone-charging as standard). However, the #1 is a much better car overall; it has a longer official range, quicker performance and more space inside.

Read our in-depth Peugeot e-2008 review

Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Effortless performance
  • Impressive refinement
  • Optional Hyperscreen feels very special

Weaknesses

  • Seats could be more comfortable
  • An S-Class rides better
  • Tesla has a superior charging network

Version EQS 450+ AMG Line | List price £105,610 | Target Price £100,610 | Saving £5000

The EQS is Mercedes's flagship electric car, and a rival for the BMW i7.

It's an impressive offering, with effortless performance and ultra-quiet driving manners. This 450+ version also has an enormous official range of 442 miles, which makes it a great option if you want an electric car for long journeys.

However, it's worth noting that the EQS doesn't ride as well as a traditional Mercedes S-Class, and it also suffers from cramped rear seats. As such, the i7 is a more capable and comfortable alternative.

Read our in-depth Mercedes EQS review

Our pick: EQS 450 4M 265kW AMG Line Premium+ 118kWh 5dr Auto

0-62mph: 6.1 sec
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Seats: 7
Boot: 645 litres
Insurance group: 50E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Comfortable ride
  • No road noise and very little wind noise
  • Good range between charges

Weaknesses

  • Infotainment could be easier to use
  • Interior finish could be better
  • BMW iX is more fun to drive

Version EQS 450 4Matic AMG Line | List price £129,470 | Target Price £124,470 | Saving £5000

As its name suggests, the EQS SUV is a taller, more spacious version of the Mercedes EQS saloon.

This immediately makes it a more appealing option thanks to its superior practicality. But like its saloon sibling, the EQS SUV offers impressive levels of refinement and a lengthy range between charges. This 450 version, for example, can travel 405 miles officially between charges, which is farther than what the BMW iX can manage.

We also like the EQS's four-wheel steering system (which helps with manoeuvrability) and super-soft ride. However, it's a pricey option, which is why the iX xDrive50 is a better alternative; it's less expensive but offers many of the same qualities. 

Read our in-depth Mercedes EQS SUV review

Our pick: 250kW eDrive40 M Sport 83.9kWh 5dr Auto

0-62mph: 5.6 sec
CO2 emissions: 0g/km
Seats: 5
Boot: 470 litres
Insurance group: 38E
Driving
Interior
Practicality
Buying & Owning

Strengths

  • Brilliant performance
  • Impressive official range
  • Class-leading infotainment

Weaknesses

  • Relatively expensive to buy outright
  • M50 not as sharp as Tesla Model 3 Performance
  • BMW lacks Tesla’s world-beating charging infrastructure

Version M50 | List price £72,140 | Target Price £67,332 | Saving £4808

The BMW i4 is a compelling alternative to the Tesla Model 3. It's practical, comfortable and extremely hushed at high speeds, plus this M50 model can go from 0-62mph in just 3.9sec. Being the range-topping car, it's powered by dual electric motors (making it four-wheel drive) and an 83.9kWh (total) battery, the latter of which delivers an official range of 318 miles. 

Factor in a plush interior and a brilliant infotainment system, and the i4 is an electric car that's very easy to live with. However, we'd recommend going for the eDrive40 model; it's less expensive and can manage 367 miles officially between charges.

Read our in-depth BMW i4 review

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FAQs

Are electric cars being discounted?

Yes – new electric cars are some of the most heavily discounted new cars on sale, meaning buyers who are ready to go green can potentially save a bundle. A combination of relatively slow EV sales to private buyers, and increasing legislation penalising car makers who fail to sell a certain percentage of cars as EVs means that those discounts are likely to be sustained, too. 

Why are car dealers offering big discounts on electric cars?

Car makers face ever-growing targets to sell more electric cars, both as a result of the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, and the impending ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars sin 2035. Car makers who do not sell enough electric cars face big fines, so many will incentivise buyers to choose electric models through discounts.

Indeed, What Car? research has found that discounts on new electric cars have risen by more than 200% since January 2023.

Who is the largest EV supplier?

Globally, Tesla is the largest maker of electric cars. Indeed, the Tesla Model Y electric SUV was the only electric car to feature among the UK's most recent list of best-selling new cars. Tesla also sells the Model 3 executive saloon in the UK, and is expected to launch updated versions of the Model S luxury saloon and Model X large SUV.

Are electric cars 100% tax deductible in the UK?

Currently, electric cars are exempt from paying road tax in the UK. However, this is due to change from April 2025, meaning drivers of electric cars will need to pay tax for the first time. From then, electric car drivers will pay £10 for the first year of tax, and the standard rate of tax after that – currently £190. Electric cars costing more than £40,000 will be subject to an extra charge.

Drivers running electric cars as company cars enjoy some of the lowest Benefit-in-Kind (BIK) tax payments, with EVs being taxed at just 2%. However, from 2025, that rate will increase by 1% annually until 2028.

In short, while EVs are currently exempt from tax, or are at least very cheap to tax, they won't stay that way for long.