The UK Department for Transport (DfT) has added two Volkswagen models — the ID.4 and ID.5 — to its Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme, expanding the total number of qualifying electric vehicles to 40, Autocar reported.
Buyers of the ID.4 and ID.5 will receive a £1,500 discount on selected variants, including the Pure Essential, Pure Match, and Pro Essential trims. These versions are available in both single- and dual-motor powertrain configurations, with either a 52 kWh battery offering up to 221 miles of range or a 77 kWh battery providing 339 miles of range. Prices now start from £35,495 for the Pure Essential variant, down from £36,995, with the grant applied automatically at the point of purchase.
See also: UK Electric Car Grant Shows Limited Impact on New EV Demand – Study
The £1,500 subsidy places both models in the ECG’s lower incentive band, while the higher £3,750 band applies to vehicles meeting stricter energy efficiency and range standards. Volkswagen’s ID.3 hatchback also remains eligible under the scheme, giving the automaker three qualifying models in total.
The expansion follows record electric vehicle registrations in the UK. In September, EV sales climbed 29.1% year-on-year to 72,779 units, supported by the broader availability of grants. In contrast, diesel registrations fell 28.2%, while petrol vehicle sales grew just 2.4%.
See also: BYD Says Exclusion from UK EV Grant Will Not Slow Sales Growth
Keir Mather, under-secretary of state for DfT responsible for EVs and decarbonisation, told Autocar that “with 38 models to choose from, more drivers than ever are making the switch, saving money and cutting running costs whilst supporting British jobs and boosting the economy.” He added that the UK now has over 83,000 public charge points, with 100,000 more planned, underscoring the government’s continued push to accelerate the transition to zero-emission transport.
