The Fantastic Four: The best EVs on the Electric Car Grant Scheme at the moment
Aug 20, 2025
5 min read
Want to save up to £3,750 on the cost of a new EV, without any extra effort on your part?
Do we even need to ask?
The UK Government has just launched the Electric Car Grant Scheme that could allow you to do exactly that. Here’s what you need to know, and our top picks from the first few eligible EVs announced on the scheme.
What is the Electric Car Grant Scheme?
Announced in July 2025, the Electric Car Grant Scheme gives drivers up to £3,750 off the cost of a new EV.
Why? The UK Government wants to encourage people to switch to an EV ahead of its 2030 target for phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
Car manufacturers will apply to have their EVs on the scheme. To be considered, a model must:
- Have a list price of £37,000 or less
- Offer at least a 3-year/60,000-mile warranty, with 8 years/100,000 miles for the battery
- Be a new car – second-hand EVs aren’t eligible
- Meet a list of technical and sustainability standards (such as having a 100+mile range and committing to Science-Based Targets for reducing emissions)
How do I claim the grant when I buy or lease a car?
Good news: you won’t need to file a single bit of extra paperwork to get the grant. Dealers and manufacturers will receive the grant from the Government and adjust their prices accordingly.
Can I get the grant if I lease an EV? What about salary sacrifice cars?
Yes and yes! The Electric Car Grant Scheme applies to new EVs on both personal leasing and salary sacrifice schemes. Your dealer or manufacturer will apply for the grant and adjust your monthly payments accordingly.
Four fantastic EVs that you can get on the Electric Car Grant Scheme right now
With the Electric Car Grant Scheme expected to run until 2029 (or until the government funding is exhausted) and plenty of manufacturers getting their applications in, we expect many more EVs to be added soon.
That said, there are some fantastic cars available on the scheme already. Here are our top picks from the first few cars approved onto the scheme in August 2025.
1. Renault 5 E-Tech
What it is
A handy urban runabout that fuses retro styling with the latest futuristic tech features. With a compact footprint and a range of around 120-200 miles depending on the trim you opt for, it’s perfect for the commute, the school run, and the occasional weekend away.
Top features
- Built-in Google integration – no screen mirroring required
- 25 driver assist features, including parking assist, safe exit, and driver attention alerts
- Easy cabin personalisation thanks to smart, 3D-printed modules (we’re unsure if they’re serious about the baguette holder, but it’s nice to know it might be an option)
- Onboard ‘reno’ voice-activated assistant
Why you’ll love it
Who said hatchbacks have to lack personality? This new electric take on an old-school icon is bold, poppy (just look at those colourways) and oh-so-chic, with plenty of practical features to add substance to the style.
2. Citroën ë-C3
What it is
A sleek, understated hatchback for stylish, comfortable commutes and city driving. The Citroën ë-C3 offers a range of up to 200 miles, a surprisingly airy cabin, and some eye-catching aesthetics (we love the two-tone roof), all in one compact package.
Top features
- Seamless screen mirroring with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
- A range of safety features, including active braking and emergency lane departure
- ‘Premium feel’ touches as standard, including LED front headlights and a two-tone roof
- Citroën’s Advanced Comfort Suspension as standard
Why you’ll love it
The ë-C3 handles exceptionally, as well as looking smart – steering is light and accurate, and Citroën’s Comfort Advanced suspension handles bumpy surfaces with ease.
3. Vauxhall Grandland
What it is
A comfortable, generously-featured family SUV with a real-world range pushing 400 miles. If you’re looking for an affordable all-rounder with enough space for the entire gang (plus luggage), this is the one.
Top features
- That range – nearly 400 miles! Perfect for longer drives and trips away
- Suite of driver assist tech, including Lane Keep Assist, Active Safety Braking, and Driver Attention Alert
- Massive 550-litre space with adjustable load floor – increasing to 1,645 litres with second row folded down
- Extensive infotainment package – 16” touchscreen with driver and passenger-side controls, smartphone mirroring, and wireless phone charging
Why you’ll love it
The Vauxhall Grandland feels like a much more expensive car than it is, thanks to its generous standard inclusions and sleek silhouette. Capable of everything from the commute to cross-country travel, its sheer practicality makes it an easy car to fall in love with.
4. Nissan Ariya
What it is
As a reasonably priced family SUV, the Nissan Ariya focuses on getting the basics right – and sometimes, that’s all you need. It’s easy to drive, offers a solid range, and packs in plenty of storage space.
Top features
- EV heat pump as standard, for more efficient cabin conditioning
- Driver assistance features, including automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alerts
- Option to upgrade to seven seats if needed
- Comfort Advanced suspension for smooth, comfortable driving
Why you’ll love it
It’s understated – there are flashier cars out there, but functionality-wise, the Ariya hits all the right notes without missing a beat. We’re also particularly fond of the interior, which looks and feels considerably more upmarket than its price point.
Get more than just a discount on your car
The Electric Car Grant is a great initiative – but to max out on how much you save with an EV, look for a leasing scheme that goes the extra mile.
At Octopus EV, we help you save on charging and energy costs as well as on the car itself with leasing packages that include:
- An expert-picked range of the latest, smartest EVs
- Home and public charging discounts, via Intelligent Octopus Go and Electroverse
- A host of other goodies – including £500 off green home tech via Octopus Energy
