UK Launches £650m Electric Car Grant to Boost EV Adoption

The UK Government has introduced a £650 million Electric Car Grant offering up to £3,750 off new electric vehicles priced at or below £37,000, aiming to boost EV adoption and support decarbonization targets. TEAM Energy highlights the importance of assessing individual and business suitability for EVs using their EV Suitability Calculator, emphasizing that eligibility depends on both price and sustainable manufacturing practices. Industry experts, including Adam Hall of Drax Electric Vehicles, praise the comprehensive support package, including £63 million for charging infrastructure and the long-term DRIVE35 program, though they note some policy gaps remain, particularly regarding the delivery of grants through manufacturers and support for the used EV market. Critics, such as Stuart Masson from The Car Expert, argue the grant primarily benefits manufacturers rather than consumers and fails to address the used EV market, which is crucial for broader emission reductions. While new funding for workplace and depot charging is welcomed, challenges persist including insufficient funding for commercial-grade infrastructure, fragmented local authority systems for charging installations, and the need for targeted incentives for second-hand EVs and large vans. Overall, the government’s renewed investment is seen as a positive step to maintain momentum in EV adoption, but further policy adjustments are needed to make electric vehicle ownership accessible and effective for a wider range of drivers.