Buyers urged to take advantage of electric car grants
Current incentives are set to end in March, prompting industry body to call for clarity on future discounts for electric car and plug-in hybrid buyers...
Prospective electric car buyers are being urged to take advantage of the current UK Plug-in Car Grant (PiCG) of up to £3500, which is set to expire this March.
While it is expected new incentives will be put in place, there has been no official confirmation of whether the scheme will continue unchanged or be modified.
The UK car industry has expressed its desire that a new scheme is announced as soon as possible, after being surprised in 2018 when Theresa May’s administration made the shock decision to end grants for plug-in hybrid buyers.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of industry body the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “What’s clear is that the Government is committed to tackling climate issues. Our industry is committed to playing its part too, but while it can supply the vehicles, it can't force demand for them. Incentives are crucial part of persuading people to make the switch.
“The markets around the world where EV sales are rising are all driven by incentives – for plug-in hybrids and pure electric vehicles, and we’re hoping that both will be addressed before the current incentives end in March.”
While Government sources have previously told What Car? that the removal of grants for buyers of plug-in hybrids wouldn't be reversed, Hawes said he hoped that the newly elected administration would reconsider that decision.
“In 2019, plug-in hybrid registrations fell by 17.8%, with them taking a 1.5% market share of all registrations – below that of pure electric vehicles,” said Hawes, suggesting the fall showed the impact of removing the £2500 grant previously given to buyers. Supply issues also meant many would-be buyers couldn’t buy cars as well.
“The technology is intrinsically more expensive upfront," continued Hawes, "and even in some cases when you factor in whole life costs. We need to stimulate the market. The drop is a clear warning that buyers aren't yet ready to commit unless they're incentivised.”
Car makers face huge fines at the end of 2020 if they don't hit tough new emissions targets, meaning they're in a race to register sales of electric cars and plug-in hybrids, raising the possibility of large discounts for buyers.
A host of new electric cars will go on sale in 2020, including the Ford Mustang Mach-E, Honda E, Jaguar XJ, Vauxhall Corsa-e, Volkswagen ID 3 and Volvo XC40 P8 Recharge.
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
View the latest deals on What Car?'s New Car Buying service >>
The top 10 electric cars on sale today
While the number of electric cars available will increase dramatically this year, there are plenty of excellent models already on sale. Here we count down our current top 10 – and reveal the ones that are best avoided.
10. Tesla Model X
On paper, Tesla's all-electric family SUV seems to be the dream all-rounder, combining the luxury of a Range Rover Sport with the green credentials of an electric car. In practice, its low running costs and practical interior are hard to fault, and even entry-level versions aren't short on pace, but parts of its interior do feel a little cheap given the price.
Read our full Tesla Model X review >>
9. Seat Mii Electric
If you're looking for a small electric car to primarily use in the city, the Mii Electric should definitely be on your shortlist. It might not have the range to match larger electric cars, but that means costs are kept sensible, and we reckon 161 miles on a full charge should still be enough for most buyers.
Read our full Seat Mii Electric review >>
8. Mercedes EQC
The EQC is a brilliant choice if you want to maximise the peace and quiet offered by going electric: it really is incredibly hushed on the move. But while it's generally comfortable on motorways, it doesn't ride as well as the very best rivals and its range is someway off the Jaguar I-Pace's.
