Electric Car Grants 2022: Best Qualifying Cars

corsa e electric car


2022 could potentially be the last year for the UK government incentive to encourage the purchase of electric cars in the UK. So do take advantage while the plug-in car grant is still available!


Update: 14th June 2022: On 14th June 2022, the UK government announced that the plug-in car grant (PiCG), the UK electric car incentive scheme, was being closed for new orders. The government also clarified “All existing applications for the grant will continue to be honoured and where a car has been sold in the 2 working days before the announcement, but an application for the grant from dealerships has not yet been made, the sale will also still qualify for the grant’.

The UK government intends to focus the £300 million in grant funding to support the uptake of electric taxis, electric vans, electric motorcycles and electric wheel chair accessible vehicles. The government will also continue to support the development of public EV charging infrastructure in the UK.

According to the UK government, “The scheme has succeeded in creating a mature market for ultra-low emission vehicles, helping to increase the sales of fully electric cars from less than 1,000 in 2011 to almost 100,000 in the first 5 months of 2022 alone”.



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In December 2021, the UK government further reduced the available grant for electric cars. The plug-in car grant (PiCG) was reduced to £1,500. This was the second reduction in the grant in 2021. In March 2021, the UK plug-in car grant was reduced from £3,000 to £2,500. We at e-zoomed expect the EV grant to be either terminated or further reduced before the end of 2022.

We encourage families and individuals keen to migrate to zero-tailpipe emission electric driving to take advantage of the existing grant. A number of affordable electric vehicles (EVs) are available to lease via e-zoomed at very competitive prices! For those keen to learn more about the qualifying criteria for electric car grants follow this link!


Top 5 Electric Cars Eligible For PiCG Grant


Since the introduction of the PiCG grant in 2011, the UK government has been keen to encourage the uptake of electric vehicles (EVS) in the UK. Initially the grant was available for both battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in electric vehicles (PHEVs). However, over time the government continued to revise the qualifying criteria for the electric car grant scheme, with a greater focus on pure and affordable electric cars available to buyers in the UK. Currently up to 17 electric cars qualify for the UK plug-in incentive, all of which are zero-tailpipe emission electric cars.

In choosing our list of best five electric cars that are eligible for the grant, we have assessed a number of parameters to include:

  • Affordability
  • Practicality & versatility
  • Emission free electric range
  • Performance
  • Design and quality

Based on the above we believe the best five electric cars that qualify for the £1,500 incentive are:

EV Model Body Type
Hyundai Kona SUV
MG 5 Estate
Mazda MX-30SUV
Vauxhall Corsa-eHatchback
Volkswagen ID.3Hatchback

The Hyundai New Kona Electric SUV


The pure electric Hyundai Kona Electric EV was launched in South Korea in 2018. The Kona has also been available as an internal combustion engine (ICE) variant since 2017. The vehicle is named after the western district of the island of Hawaii.

The Kona e-SUV is the second pure electric car from the South Korean manufacturer. The first was the all-electric IONIQ EV. The upgraded New Kona Electric SUV EV is a practical and affordable electric vehicle (EV), appropriate for families keen to migrate to zero-emission electric driving, but at prices that are affordable. The SE Connect and Premium trims are priced below £32,000 and therefore eligible for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG). The Ultimate trim is not eligible for the PiCG.

The e-SUV is practical and versatile with an excellent zero-emission range. The KONA SUV EV is available in two EV battery sizes (39.2 kWh and 64 kWh), with a WLTP range up to 300 miles for the larger lithium-ion EV battery. The compact crossover electric SUV is more than appropriate for most family requirements, to include, school runs, family outings, weekend trips, grocery shopping and a lot more! The electric vehicle (EV) also has a 10.5 kW AC on-board charger and is capable of DC charging up to 100 kW (0-80%: 47 mins). A perfect step into affordable and fun electric driving.

PROS CONS
An affordable compact family electric SUVNot all variants qualify for PiCG
Good EV range (up to 300 miles)Boot is smaller than rivals
Infotainment system has Apple CarPlay/ android autoInterior quality can be improved

Gallery


The Hyundai New Kona Electric SUV (credit: Hyundai)


At A Glance
EV Type:Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:SUV (Compact Crossover)
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):Available for SE Connect/ Premium trims
Engine:Electric
Available In UK:Yes

Variants (3 Options)
SE Connect (from £30,450): 39.2 kWh battery
Premium (from £31,800): 39.2 kWh battery/ 64 kWh battery
Ultimate (from £37,200): 64 kWh battery

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:Available in two battery sizes: 39.2 kWh/ 64 kWh
Charging:100 kW DC Rapid Charging (0-80%: 47 mins). On board charger: 10.5 kW AC
Charge Port:Type 2
EV Cable Type: Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:0g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:8 years or 100,000 miles

New KONA Electric (39.2 kWh)
EV Battery Capacity:39.2 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):189 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):14.3
Charging: 100 kW DC Rapid Charging (0-80%: 47 mins). On board charger: 10.5 kW AC
Top Speed:96 mph
0-62 mph:9.9 seconds
Drive: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):136
Max Power (PS):100
Torque (Nm): 395
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):1,535 – 1593
Colours:10

The MG 5 Electric Estate


The MG5 electric vehicle (EV) is the second pure electric car from MG, after the all-electric MG ZS EV. The MG5 electric estate car is targeted at families seeking to buy a practical and affordable zero-emission EV. The MG5 EV does not disappoint in terms of affordability, with prices starting at £27,595 (not including the grant). The MG5 EV is priced below £32,000 and therefore eligible for the UK government plug-in car grant (PiCG).

The 5 seater e-estate is practical and family-friendly, without compromising on comfort. The rear seats are comfortable for adults, with a decent boot space (464 L). The electric vehicle (EV) is available in two EV battery options (52.5 kWh/61.1 kWh) with an electric range up to 250 miles (WLTP), for the larger EV battery. The EV is more than appropriate for most family requirements, to include, work trips, school runs, family outings, grocery shopping, weekend trips and a lot more!

PROS CONS
A genuinely affordable family electric estateDC charging limited to 100 kW
Good electric range with two EV battery optionsNot the most inspiring drive
Practical and ample boot space Interior quality can be improved

Gallery


The All-Electric MG5 EV (credit: MG)


At A Glance
EV Type:Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:Estate
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):Available
Engine:Electric
Available In UK:Yes

Variants (4 Options)
Excite (from £27,595): 52.5 kWh
Exclusive (from £30,095): 52.5 kWh
Long Range Excite (from £28,995): 61.1 kWh
Long Range Exclusive (from £31,495): 61.1 kWh

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:Available in two battery sizes: 52.5/ 61.1 kWh
Charging:100 kW DC Rapid Charging. On board charger: 7kW AC
Charge Port:Type 2
EV Cable Type: Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:0g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:7 years or 80,000 miles

MG5 EV (52.5 kWh)
EV Battery Capacity:52.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):214 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):17.5
Charging: 100 kW DC Rapid Charging (0-80%: 40 mins). On board charger: 7kW AC
Top Speed:115 mph
0-60 mph: 7.3 seconds
Drive: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):N/A
Horsepower (PS):156
Torque (Nm): 260
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):1,532 – 1,550
Colours:5

MG5 EV (61.1 kWh)
EV Battery Capacity:61.1 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):250 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):17.5
Charging: 100 kW DC Rapid Charging (0-80%: 40 mins). On board charger: 7kW AC
Top Speed:115 mph
0-60 mph:7.3 seconds
Drive: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):N/A
Horsepower (PS):156
Torque (Nm): 260
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):1,550 – 1,565
Colours:5

The Mazda MX-30 Electric SUV


The all-electric Mazda MX-30 crossover SUV, is the first production battery-electric vehicle (BEV) from Mazda. The pure electric compact SUV was unveiled at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show. The Mazda electric vehicle (EV) has been positioned for the urban driver, with the Japanese automotive manufacturer following a very similar ethos to Honda-e, in keeping the EV battery size small. Both the Mazda MX-30 and Honda-e use a 35.5 kWh lithium-ion EV battery.

Mazda is unique, in that, one of the key determinants of the EV battery size was the ‘life-cycle’ environmental impact.  According to Mazda, the smaller battery pack has a more positive environmental footprint, challenging some of the conventional wisdom in the electric vehicle sector, with automotive manufacturers aspiring for large EV batteries with longer zero-emission range. 

The electric vehicle is positioned for the young urban commuter and its 35.5 kWh battery size reflects the shorter city commutes.  However, the 124 miles zero-emission electric range can easily be used for weekend getaways.  The battery is supplied by Panasonic. The company has also opted for low-impact and sustainable materials for the inside cabin, to include, recycled plastic bottles and cork harvested from the bark of trees without felling. 

The e-SUV is affordable and eligible for the UK government plug-in incentive (PiCG). The electric vehicle (EV) has a 6.6 kW AC on-board charger and is capable of DC charging up to 50 kW (0-80%: 36 mins). A perfect step into affordable and fun urban electric driving.

PROS CONS
An affordable compact electric SUVLimited electric range
Familiar in design to petrol variants (for those consumers who prefer familiarity when migrating to electric driving)Access to rear seats not easy
Low-impact and sustainable materials for the inside cabinLimited legroom, headroom for rear seats and small boot space

Gallery


The Mazda MX-30 Electric SUV (credit: Mazda)


At A Glance
EV Type:Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:SUV (Compact Crossover)
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):Available
Engine:Electric
Available In UK:Yes

£ Variants (4 Options)
SE-L LUX (from £26,045)
First Edition (from £27,995)
Sport LUX (from £28,045)
GT Sport Tech (from £30,345)

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:Available in one battery size: 35.5 kWh
Charging:50 kW DC Rapid Charging (0-80%: 36 mins). On board charger: 6.6kW AC
Charge Port:Type 2
EV Cable Type: Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:0g (CO2/km)
Battery Warranty:8 years or 100,000 miles

SE-L LUX
EV Battery Capacity:35.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):124 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):19.0
Charging: 50 kW DC Rapid Charging (0-80%: 36 mins). On board charger: 6.6kW AC
Top Speed:87 mph
0-62 mph:9.7 seconds
Drive: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):107
Max Power (PS):145
Torque (Nm): 271
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):1,645
Colours:5

First Edition
EV Battery Capacity:35.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):124 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):19.0
Charging: 50 kW DC Rapid Charging (0-80%: 36 mins). On board charger: 6.6kW AC
Top Speed:87 mph
0-62 mph:9.7 seconds
Drive: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):107
Max Power (PS):145
Torque (Nm): 271
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):1,645
Colours:4

Sport LUX
EV Battery Capacity:35.5 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):124 miles
Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km):19.0
Charging: 50 kW DC Rapid Charging (0-80%: 36 mins). On board charger: 6.6kW AC
Top Speed:87 mph
0-62 mph:9.7 seconds
Drive: Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Electric Motor (kW):107
Max Power (PS):145
Torque (Nm): 271
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):1,645
Colours:8

The Vauxhall Corsa-e Electric Hatchback


Vauxhall (Opel) announced the launch of a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) Corsa in December 2018. The all-electric Corsa-e looks very similar to the hugely popular internal combustion engine (ICE) Vauxhall Corsa supermini. But this is where the similarity ends. The Corsa-e is fully electric and has zero tailpipe emissions. It also has a longer wheelbase compared to the petrol variant.

As is in the case with battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), the all-electric Corsa-e is cheap to drive. Depending on charging costs, the 50 kWh EV battery can be fully charged with £5, and the cost per mile can be as low as 3 pence. The Corsa-e electric hatchback is a good entry level EV for those seeking to migrate to zero-emission electric driving. It is practical, and has a good EV range (209 miles WLTP). Moreover, this electric vehicle comes with 100 kW DC charging as standard (public charging), allowing the EV to be charged up to 80% SOC within 30 minutes.

PROS CONS
Good all-rounder For those seeking a more futuristic design, this BEV will disappoint
Familiar design Interior lacks inspiration
Impressive range Infotainment system could be improved
100 kW fast charging as standard Visibility from the car limited at the rear
Quicker than Zoe or Mii electricSlightly more expensive when compared to other smaller EVs

Gallery


The All-Electric Vauxhall Corsa-e (credit: Vauxhall)


At A Glance
EV Type:Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:Hatchback
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):Available
Engine:Electric
Available In UK:Yes

Variants (3 Options)
SE NAV Premium (from £24,140)
SRI NAV Premium (from £24,710)
ELITE NAV Premium (from £26,545 )

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:Available in one battery size: 50 kWh
EV Battery Warranty:8 years/100,000 miles/70% capacity
Charging:100 kW rapid charging (charge up to 80% in 30 minutes). Two options of on-board charger (7.4 kW and 11 kW)
Charge Port:Type 2
EV Cable Type: Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:0g (CO2/km)

Corsa-e SE NAV Premium (7.4kW)
EV Battery Capacity:50 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):209 miles
EV Operation Efficiency (kWh/100km):16.5 kWh
Charging: 100 kW Rapid Charging (on board charger: 7.4 kW AC)
Top Speed:93 mph
0-60 mph:7.6 seconds
Drive: Front-wheel drive
Electric Motor (kW):100 kW
Max Power (PS):136
Torque (Nm): 260
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):1,530
Colours:6

Corsa-e SRI NAV Premium (7.4kW)
EV Battery Capacity:50 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):209 miles
EV Operation Efficiency (kWh/100km):16.5 kWh
Charging: 100 kW Rapid Charging (on board charger: 7.4 kW AC)
Top Speed:93 mph
0-60 mph:7.6 seconds
Drive: Front-wheel drive
Electric Motor (kW):100 kW
Max Power (PS):136
Torque (Nm): 260
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Kerb Weight (kg):1,530
Colours:4

The Volkswagen ID.3 Electric Hatchback


The launch of the Volkswagen ID.3 five-door family hatchback is part of the company’s broader strategy, to offer affordable EVs to the mass-market via the VW ID. family range of battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). The 2020 ID.3 was first shown as the concept ID prototype electric car at the Paris Motor Show in 2016. 

The all-new ID.3 five-door hatchback launch model ‘ID.3 1st Edition’ was revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The EV model has been positioned as an affordable electric car for ‘everyone’.  The battery-electric vehicle (BEV) ID.3 model is marked as ‘3’, as this will be the third most important chapter for the German automotive company, after the Beetle and Golf models.

The plug-in electric car uses the MEB bespoke electric platform. Manufacturing commenced in November 2019. As another first for Volkswagen, the ID.3 is carbon neutral upon delivery to its customers.

The pure electric ID.3 has received positive reviews from Auto Car, Auto Express and What Car?. According to What Car “There are few electric cars that ride any better, unless you spend an awful lot more dosh.”

PROS CONS
A good option for families looking to switch to pure electric drivingWill disappoint those seeking a futuristic styling and design
Design is ‘familiar’ and not futuristic Infotainment system could be improved
Good range and vast options of battery sizesInterior materials feel cheap for some variants at higher price
Plenty of space (boot and interior)Rear view slightly limited
Good performanceSoftware delays

Gallery


The All-Electric Volkswagen ID.3 Available For Lease Via e-zoomed (credit: VW)


At A Glance
EV Type:Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Vehicle Type:Hatchback
Plug-In Car Grant (PiCG):Available for certain models
Engine:Electric
Available In UK:Yes

£ Variants (8 Options)
ID.3 City (from £30,870)
ID.3 Style (from £34,970)
ID.3 Life (from £32,470)
ID.3 Business (from £35,710)
ID.3 Family (from £36,640)
ID.3 Tech (from £39,500)
ID.3 Max (from £41,530)
ID.3 Tour (from £42,600)

EV Battery & Emissions
EV Battery Type:Lithium-ion
EV Battery Capacity:Available in three battery sizes: 45 kWh/ 58 kWh/ 77 kWh
Charging:50 kW rapid charging standard. Mid-range models 100 kW and top-end model 125 kW
Charge Port:Type 2
EV Cable Type: Type 2
Tailpipe Emissions:0g (CO2/km)

ID.3 City Pure Performance
EV Battery Capacity:45 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):217 miles (combined)
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):292 miles (city)
Charging: 50 kW Rapid Charging (on board charger: 11 kW AC)
Top Speed:99 mph
0-62 mph:8.9 seconds
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Electric Motor (kW):110
Max Power (PS):150
Torque (Nm): 310
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Unladen Weight (kg):1,772

ID.3 Style Pure Performance
EV Battery Capacity:45 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):214 miles (combined)
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):289 miles (city)
Charging: 50 kW Rapid Charging (on board charger: 11 kW AC)
Top Speed:99 mph
0-62 mph:8.9 seconds
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Electric Motor (kW):110
Max Power (PS):150
Torque (Nm): 310
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Unladen Weight (kg):1,772

ID.3 Life Pro
EV Battery Capacity:58 kWh
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):263 miles (combined)
Pure Electric Range (WLTP):358 miles (city)
Charging: 100 kW Rapid Charging (on board charger: 11 kW AC)
Top Speed:99 mph
0-62 mph:9.6 seconds
Drive: Rear-wheel drive
Electric Motor (kW):107
Max Power (PS):145
Torque (Nm): 275
Transmission:Automatic
Seats:5
Doors:5
Unladen Weight (kg):1,805

While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.


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Author

Ashvin Suri

Ashvin has been involved with the renewables, energy efficiency and infrastructure sectors since 2006. He is passionate about the transition to a low-carbon economy and electric transportation. Ashvin commenced his career in 1994, working with US investment banks in New York. Post his MBA from the London Business School (1996-1998), he continued to work in investment banking at Flemings (London) and JPMorgan (London). His roles included corporate finance advisory, M&A and capital raising. He has been involved across diverse industry sectors, to include engineering, aerospace, oil & gas, airports and automotive across Asia and Europe. In 2010, he co-founded a solar development platform, for large scale ground and roof solar projects to include, the UK, Italy, Germany and France. He has also advised on various renewable energy (wind and solar) utility scale projects working with global institutional investors and independent power producers (IPP’s) in the renewable energy sector. He has also advised in key international markets like India, to include advising large-scale industrial and automotive group in India. Ashvin has also advised Indian Energy, an IPP backed by Guggenheim (a US$ 165 billion fund). He has also advised a US$ 2 billion, Singapore based group. Ashvin has also worked in the real estate and infrastructure sector, to including working with the Matrix Group (a US$ 4 billion property group in the UK) to launch one of the first few institutional real estate funds for the Indian real estate market. The fund was successfully launched with significant institutional support from the UK/ European markets. He has also advised on water infrastructure, to include advising a Swedish clean technology company in the water sector. He has also been involved with a number of early stage ventures.

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