The cost of a new electric car has been one of the biggest barriers to switching, but the reality is changing.
Right now, a combination of government support schemes, rising tax thresholds, and manufacturer discounts means buyers who do their homework this spring could save thousands compared to those who don’t.
And the interest is there. According to search data analysed by Vertu, queries for ‘ev grant uk’ have surged by 376% over the past year, while ‘electric car tax uk’ has risen by 175% over the same period.
So, with a growing number of buyers trying to understand exactly what financial support is available before committing to an electric car, Lucy DiClemente, Brand Manager at Vertu MINI York, explains why now might be the best time to buy, “The government’s ZEV mandate, which sets the minimum percentage of new cars sold each year that must be zero-emission, has risen from 22% in 2024 to 28% in 2025 and 33% this year.
“Manufacturers who fall short face fines of up to £15,000 per non-compliant vehicle, which is why many are offering substantial discounts on new electric cars alongside existing incentives.
“For buyers, this creates a rare window where the industry is actively incentivised to cut prices.
“But many of the people we speak to don’t realise these savings have expiry dates. Eligibility lists change, the tax thresholds are fixed from April, and manufacturer discounts will ease the moment the mandate pressure lifts.”
So, to help, Vertu has outlined five things every buyer should know before purchasing an electric car this spring:
1. Check whether your chosen EV qualifies for up to £3,750 off
The government’s Electric Car Grant offers up to £3,750 off eligible new electric cars, but not every model qualifies.
To be eligible, a car must have a starting price at or below £37,000 and have an official range of at least 100 miles. The amount you receive depends on which band the model falls within: Band 1 vehicles qualify for £3,750, while Band 2 vehicles qualify for £1,500.
The grant is applied automatically at the point of sale, so you don’t need to apply separately. But choosing an eligible model is your responsibility.
Make sure to check the government’s official list of eligible vehicles before settling on a model. If two similar models are both eligible, opting for a Band 1 vehicle could save you an additional £2,250.
2. Check the list price to avoid a hidden £2,125 tax charge
From April, electric cars with a list price above £50,000 are subject to an additional £425 per year in car tax (VED) for five years, on top of the standard annual rate.
The catch is that it is calculated on the car’s original list price, not the price you actually pay. You could negotiate a deal well below £50,000, but if the manufacturer’s list price was above the threshold, the charge still applies.
Before committing, check the manufacturer’s official list price for your exact specification. If it sits just above £50,000, consider whether a different trim or fewer factory options could bring it below the threshold, as over five years the saving is £2,125.
3. Consider whether a smaller battery could save you money
Every new electric car comes with a WLTP range figure, but this is tested under controlled laboratory conditions. In real-world driving, actual range is typically 10 to 20% lower.
In cold weather or at sustained motorway speeds, the gap can widen further, meaning a car advertised at 300 miles WLTP may deliver closer to 210 miles on a winter motorway run.
Rather than paying extra for the largest battery available, work backwards from your actual driving habits. Consider your longest regular journey and check whether the car’s real-world range covers it comfortably.
If most of your driving is short commutes with home charging available, a smaller battery at a lower price may be the smarter choice, and the money saved could go towards a home charger or other running costs.
4. Check the car’s maximum charging speed to avoid paying for capability you won’t use
A common assumption among first-time EV buyers is that a faster charger always means faster charging.
But every electric car has a maximum rate at which it can accept power, and if the car’s limit is lower than the charger’s output, you won’t see the benefit. Plugging a car with a 7 kW onboard charger into a 22 kW public charger, for example, will still only deliver 7 kW.
When comparing models, check two figures: the maximum AC charging rate and the maximum DC rapid charging rate. If you plan to charge mainly at home overnight, the AC rate is the one that affects your daily life.
If you regularly make longer trips, a higher DC rate will reduce your time at stops. Matching these specs to your routine means you avoid paying a premium for charging capability you’ll rarely use.
5. Wait for the April home charger grant increase, but prepare your application now
The cost of installing a home charger is another area where buyers can save. The government currently offers a grant towards installation for eligible applicants, including renters, flat owners, and homeowners without driveways. From Tuesday, 1st April, the maximum grant increases from £350 to £500 per socket.
Waiting until after 1st April will secure the higher amount, but be aware that a new application portal will replace the current system on the same date, which may cause short-term delays.
