Electric cars in the UK are getting cheaper and the government subsidises purchases. But is now a good time to switch from petrol or diesel? We checked the facts and the rankings of British car testers.
The grant: up to £3,750 off
The government’s Electric Car Grant cuts the price of a new electric car by £3,750 (band 1 cars – produced in the most sustainable way) or by £1,500 (band 2). The condition: a list price of up to £37,000. There is nothing to fill in – the dealer deducts the discount at the point of sale. The scheme started on 15 July 2025 and is due to run until 31 March 2030 or until the money runs out. The grant only covers selected versions – always ask the dealer whether your version qualifies.
Which models are best
We compiled the ratings of British motoring magazines (Autocar, What Car?, Auto Express):
- Skoda Elroq – number 1 in Autocar’s ranking; range of up to about 360 miles (WLTP, top version).
- Kia EV3 – from £32,215, range of up to 375 miles. A lot of car for sensible money.
- Renault 5 – the best small EV according to What Car?; range of up to 253 miles. The Comfort Range version starts at £21,495; the grant amount depends on the battery version.
- Tesla Model 3 – from about £40,000; range of 323 miles (base version) to 466 miles (Long Range RWD). No grant – too expensive.
- With the highest grant (£3,750), among others: Renault 4 (from £23,445), Ford Puma Gen-E (from £25,245), Nissan Leaf (from £28,849), Kia EV4 (from £30,995).
Is it worth it? Explained in plain English
Yesif you can charge at home or at work, drive mostly around town and on trips of up to 200–250 miles a day, and want to keep the car for several years. Electricity from a home socket and cheaper servicing (fewer parts that wear out) make a difference.
Hold off for nowif you live in a block of flats with nowhere to charge and would have to rely only on public rapid chargers – they are significantly more expensive. The same applies if you often drive very long distances, e.g. to Poland by car.
Our assessment
For a family with a driveway or garage, an electric car is a sensible choice in 2026, and the £3,750 grant shortens the payback time. Our pick: the Renault 5 for town, the Kia EV3 for families, the Skoda Elroqwhen space and range matter.
What to do
- Check the list of cars eligible for the grant with dealers and on manufacturers’ websites – the grant depends on the version.
- Work out where you will charge: at home, at work or only in public.
- Employed? Ask your employer about leasing through salary sacrifice – it often works out cheaper.
What about you? Vote in our poll on the home page: is it worth buying an electric car?
Sources: Autocar – The best electric cars 2026; What Car? – Best small electric cars; Auto Express – Electric Car Grant (8.10.2026); Electric Car Scheme (9.10.2026). Prices and ranges according to sources – they may change.
We assess factual corrections and substantive responses. Verified changes are reflected in our reporting.
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