The UK government has confirmed that 14 electric cars now qualify for the full £3,750 discount under its £1.3 billion plug-in vehicle scheme, with the Fiat 500 Electric being the latest model added to the list. Since the scheme launched in July 2025, over 100,000 drivers have already taken advantage of the grant to purchase a new electric vehicle.
How the Grant Works
The maximum grant of £3,750 is reserved for electric vehicles manufactured in the most sustainable way. To qualify, manufacturers must hold verified Science Based Targets — corporate emissions reduction goals aligned with the Paris Agreement. The government also assesses the carbon footprint of the vehicle’s production process, including battery cells and the energy sources used in factories where components are made.
For vehicles with a higher carbon footprint during manufacturing or those using components sourced from more carbon-intensive energy grids, a lower grant of £1,500 is available. This tier includes electric cars that meet all technical eligibility criteria — zero tailpipe emissions, a minimum 100-mile range, and appropriate warranty coverage — but whose manufacturers have not yet achieved the highest sustainability standards.
Full List of Cars Eligible for £3,750 Discount
The following 14 models qualify for the maximum £3,750 grant:
- Abarth 500e
- Alpine A290
- Citroen e-C5 Aircross Long Range
- Fiat 500e
- Ford Puma Gen-E
- Ford E-Tourneo Courier
- Kia EV2 Long Range
- Kia EV4
- MINI Countryman Electric
- Nissan Leaf
- Nissan Micra
- Renault 4
- Renault 5 Comfort Range
- Renault Scenic
Fiat 500e: Latest Addition
The Fiat 500 Electric joins the list as the newest car eligible for the full discount. This compact EV combines distinctive Italian styling with a range of up to 202 miles on a single charge, making it an ideal choice for urban driving. Its inclusion underscores the government's focus on promoting sustainable manufacturing practices across the automotive industry.
Scheme Impact and Future
According to the latest government figures, more than 100,000 drivers have already used the scheme to purchase a new EV since its launch in July 2025. The £1.3 billion initiative aims to accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles by making them more affordable. Every other electric car on the market that meets basic eligibility criteria but not the top sustainability standards continues to receive a £1,500 discount.
The government is expected to review the scheme periodically, with sustainability criteria potentially becoming stricter over time to encourage further reductions in manufacturing carbon footprints.
