If you’ve been eyeing a shiny new electric car but your wallet keeps whispering “maybe next year…”, the Electric Car Grant (ECG) could be your golden ticket. But here’s the catch: not every electric vehicle qualifies — and some of the most hyped EVs don’t make the cut at all.
This guide breaks down which cars actually qualify, the full ECG-eligible list, and — most importantly — our top picks and the ones you should think twice about. No jargon, no confusing government-speak. Just the stuff you need to know before you commit to your next car.
What Is the Electric Car Grant?The Electric Car Grant (ECG) is designed to reduce the upfront cost of eco-friendly EVs. Only fully electric models qualify, and the grant usually applies to cars under a certain price cap with sufficient electric range and zero tailpipe emissions.
If a car is too expensive, too luxurious, or not fully electric… it’s out.
Here are the major models currently eligible under the typical ECG criteria (affordable, fully electric, price-cap compliant):
The MG4 is one of the few EVs that manages to be affordable, practical, and genuinely fun. Long range, sharp styling, and hatchback usability make it the absolute standout.
Few affordable EVs offer such an impressive real-world range. Perfect for commuters who also want weekend flexibility.
Cute, compact, and fully electric, the 500e is made for urban living. Easy to park, cheap to run, and surprisingly premium inside.
BYD’s rising popularity is no accident. The Dolphin offers modern tech, solid range, and a shockingly low price.
It may not be the newest EV, but the Leaf remains dependable, efficient, and ECG-eligible, making it fantastic value.
Beautiful design… but tiny range. Great as a second car, not great as your main ride.
Their extremely short range makes them feel outdated in a world where even budget EVs now go 200+ miles.
Zippy and stylish, yes. But the small battery limits practicality, especially for longer trips.
While affordable, its software, interior materials, and overall refinement lag behind newer competitors.
Some of the most popular EVs are too expensive to meet ECG price-cap rules. Examples include:
They’re fantastic cars — but they don’t get you the grant.
If you want the best all-round ECG-eligible EV → MG4 EV
If you want the best range → Hyundai Kona Electric
If you want the best city car → Fiat 500e
If you want the cheapest decent EV → BYD Dolphin
If you want the most reliable long-term bet → Nissan Leaf
Choosing an electric car has never been more exciting — or more confusing. But with the ECG helping bring costs down, now might be the perfect time to charge into the future.
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