The Renault 5 is among 13 newly confirmed models eligible for the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant. The additions come from Renault, Alpine, Nissan, and Vauxhall, with prices starting at £21,495 for the retro-styled Renault 5 supermini. These join six Citroën models announced earlier in the week.
However, none of the 19 models now on the list qualify for the higher £3,750 grant. All are eligible only for the lower £1,500 incentive.
In Renault’s range, the grant also applies to the Renault 4 (£25,495), Renault Megane hatchback (£30,995), and Renault Scenic SUV (£35,495). The sportier Alpine A290 – the Renault 5’s performance sibling – will also receive the grant.
Nissan’s qualifying models include the Micra, priced to match the Renault 5, and the larger Ariya SUV, which now starts below £37,000 after a price adjustment to meet the grant threshold.
Vauxhall has confirmed that its full EV line-up will benefit, including the electric Corsa, Mokka, Frontera, Astra, and Grandland. The brand had previously offered its own grant while awaiting government confirmation.
Earlier this week, Citroën became the first to announce all of its electric models would qualify, including the e-C3, e-C3 Aircross (with the new long-range version), e-C4, e-C5 Aircross, and e-Berlingo. All qualify only for the £1,500 amount.
The limited grant raises questions over what criteria determine eligibility for the top-tier £3,750 incentive. One key requirement is that manufacturers hold Science-Based Target Initiative (SBTi) accreditation, proving they are on track to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero.
Some brands hold equivalent environmental certifications, but without the specific SBTi recognition, they remain excluded from the higher grant.
