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Is the Electric Car Grant having an impact?
Autotrader speaks to Keir Mather MP, the government minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation about electric cars
Words by: Catherine King
Published on 14 November 2025 | 0 min read
It’s now four months since the government launched its Electric Car Grant (ECG), which provides up to £3,750 off the price of selected new electric cars. The Ford Puma Gen-E was one of the first cars to qualify for the full discount and there's a growing list of other models eligible for either a £3,750 or £1,500 price reduction. We visited John Grose Ford in Ipswich to speak with Keir Mather MP, the government minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation to find out more about how the grant is helping buyers switch to EVs. “30,000 people have already decided to make the switch," he says of the scheme's initial impact, "but we're trying to make it as easy as possible for people to take that leap and go and get an EV for the very first time."
But, what further action is the government taking? Read our Q&A with the minister below.
But, what further action is the government taking? Read our Q&A with the minister below.
What is government doing to tackle the higher costs of charging on the go?
“The government's investing over £300m to install 100,000 charge points right across the country. That's on top of the 80,000 that are already in place, making it a lot easier for people to get the range they need and take that leap to get their EV.”
Not everyone can charge at home - how is the government making it easier for more people to do so?
“To make it easier for people to charge at home, we're investing £25m to make sure that people who aren't able to charge on their drive are still able to access charging."
What are your plans for promoting the benefits of electric cars?
“We want to shout about the massive opportunities that are there for people who want to get their first EV. The benefits of electric cars are enormous, and there are big savings for people to access as well.”
Do you expect many more models to qualify for the grant?
“Yes, we have already got a fantastic range of cars that can access the electric car grant, but we expect more to come online. That’s going to mean more access to more models – you can choose the car you want, choose that first EV and make the switch to electric.”
It's clear the ECG is having an impact on demand for new electric cars. Indeed, since it was announced Autotrader has seen interest in eligible models double and the Ford Puma Gen-E saw the biggest increase in share of all new EV enquiries between July and October. Last month, meanwhile, the Renault 5 – which benefits from the £1,500 grant – was the most viewed qualifying electric car on Autotrader. To help buyers separate fact from fiction and feel more confident about making the switch Autotrader has been working with the Office of Zero Emission Vehicles, ChargeUK and the Society of Motor Manufactures and Traders to raise awareness, not least with concerns like battery health on pre-loved electric cars and other practical considerations.
