The government has revealed the first six electric vehicles eligible for its new Electric Car Grant (ECG). All six are from Citroen’s range, but none qualify for the full £3,750 discount. Instead, each model will receive a £1,500 reduction.
The eligible models include:
- Citroen e-C3 supermini
- Citroen e-C3 Aircross SUV
- Citroen e-C4 hatchback
- Citroen e-C4 X
- Citroen e-C5 Aircross SUV
- Citroen e-Berlingo MPV
With the grant applied, the entry-level Citroen e-C3 now starts from £20,595. The Citroen e-C5 Aircross starts from £32,565, and the higher-spec Max version (normally £39,345) also qualifies for the £1,500 grant, as it shares the same battery and motor.
Citroen UK managing director Greg Taylor commented:
“We welcome the support of the Electric Car Grant and are delighted to be the first brand to have our electric range approved. This support helps make our EVs more accessible.”
The ECG discount will be applied automatically at the point of purchase, so buyers don’t need to take any additional steps to receive the saving. Citroen has also confirmed that the grant can be used alongside existing finance offers, such as a 0% interest PCP deal with a 20% deposit over 24 months.
However, the announcement raises questions about how many vehicles will actually qualify for the full £3,750 discount. It was expected that EVs built in the UK or EU would benefit most, but Citroen’s models – made in low-carbon countries like France and Spain – only receive the lower tier of support.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:
“With the first models approved today and more to come in the weeks ahead, this summer we’re helping more people across the UK afford and switch to an electric car.”
