The latest EV news comes from changes made overnight by the government. Nope, it’s not about COVID luckily! Changes were made to the electric vehicle grant scheme overnight last week. If you’re wanting to buy an EV, but now you’re questioning whether to or not, then continue reading. Find out how the grant scheme now works and how the team at EV Sales could help you.
WHAT DOES THE EV GRANT SCHEME INVOLVE?
The electric vehicle grant scheme was initially introduced in 2011, and has supported the purchase of 285,000 EVs in the UK alone.
In line with the government aim to reduce our carbon emissions, and banning the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK by 2030. The scheme is in place to allow drivers to reap the benefits of owning or buying an electric vehicle whilst still saving some money.
As technology is still new and developing, we understand as a sector that the price to buy an EV is still significantly high. The scheme is a perfect opportunity to save a chunk of money when investing.
It was originally set up to allow anyone buying a hybrid or fully electric vehicle up to any price, to save up to £5,000.
The scheme was reviewed in 2016, and the maximum saving was cut to £4,500. Again, in 2018 the scheme was looked at, and the option to save money when purchasing a hybrid vehicle was cut completely. It was then last reviewed in 2020, to exclude the purchasing of any fully electric vehicles costing more than £50,000.
How has it changed?
Overnight the government has cut the grant from £3,000 to £2,500. It has also excluded any vehicles that cost over £35,000. It is thought that anyone that was using the grant to buy higher priced vehicles could afford to switch without assistance. Therefore the grant will last longer and be available for more drivers to make the switch.
As the choice of vehicles on the market and the number of available charge points increase, the government wants to focus their effort and the funds available to help more people buy more affordable zero emission EVs.
So which cars will be affected by the recent change?
WHICH ELECTRIC VEHICLES ARE NOT COVERED BY THE SCHEME?
Now the scheme has excluded any vehicles costing more than £35,000, which cars are now not covered?
Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 was one of the best selling cars in 2020. Unfortunately it is no longer eligible for any drivers looking to buy this sleek and stylish EV. A brand new standard Tesla Model 3 could set back a driver just under £40,000. Along with the model 3, the original electric vehicle, the Tesla Model S is still such a huge seller on the EV market. Everyone dreams about the day they can afford to buy a Tesla, so let’s not spoil the dream. Buy a Tesla Model S from EV Sales.
Kia e-Niro
The Kia e-Niro is another popular electric car that is now outside of the threshold. Drivers will now be missing out on the additional savings when they buy this particular Kia model. This SUV is one of a small handful of electric vehicles on the market, that is affordable to most drivers. Will the new grant scheme changes mean a drop in sales?
BMW i3
Just two week ago we saw BMW up their prices to just over £39,000 for a brand new BMW i3. Without knowing about the grant changes, one of the most affordable electric vehicles is now excluded from the grant scheme. If you’re looking to buy a BMW, we also have a range of BMW i3s for sale. Benefit from the power of electric without the high prices.
LOOKING TO BUY AN EV?
Second hand EVS have never been eligible for the government grant, but more drivers have considered buying a second hand electric vehicle. Since the announcement to cut the grant, searches for used EVs have risen significantly.
Want to buy an EV but the brand new prices are out of your budget? We have the next best thing for you. Buying a second hand EV is a cheaper alternative. We would always recommend customers research where they are buying from to ensure they are buying from a reputable seller. Luckily for our customers, we have the full service history for our cars along with many other benefits including:
- Free UK Delivery
- Free charger for every EV
- All of our vehicles have one registered keeper
- Our cars are in fantastic condition
- 3 month warranty including a replacement car
- Finance available
Ready to buy an EV? Get in touch with us to discuss buying a second hand electric vehicle.
CONTACT THE EV SALES TEAM TODAY
Are you looking to buy an EV but it’s no longer covered by the grant scheme? We may have a second hand EV available for sale, that matches your needs.
EV Sales is a used electric car dealership based in Strood, Kent. However we can offer free UK delivery if you aren’t local to us. All of our electric vehicles for sale are bought new for our sister company, EVision Electric Vehicles.
When you buy an EV from us, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ll be buying a used EV with only one registered keeper.
Currently, EVision have a fleet of over 300 vehicles, including:
- Tesla Model S, X & 3
- BMW i3
- Kia e-Niro
- Jaguar I-Pace
- Audi e-tron
- Vauxhall Corsa-e
- Volkswagen ID.3
- Volkswagen ID.4
- Porsche Taycan
- Vauxhall Vivaro-e vans
If you want to buy an EV, our full stock list can be viewed here. Feel free to contact a member of the team today for more information on any of our cars. As we are unable to open our forecourt for drop in visits, we are offering a virtual appointment instead. Email us today to book a tour.