Our verdicts on the cars that qualify for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant

The Electric Car Grant currently offers £3,750 off Band 1 models, helping to bring long-range electric cars under the psychological £40,000 mark and making EVs more accessible for everyday drivers. As of now, there are eight cars in the top tier. Here is a brief verdict on each one in alpha order, and why they stand out.

Alpine A290

The Alpine A290 is the driver’s car of the full Electric Car Grant qualifying group. Effectively a hot hatch version of the Renault 5, it offers around 180–217 bhp, front-wheel drive and a kerb weight under 1,500 kg. Reviews so far have called it one of the most entertaining small EVs on sale, with sharp steering and strong performance, and it has already picked up awards as a “best fun EV”.

Range is lower than the most efficient cars here, but that is not the point. If you want an EV that feels genuinely engaging on a good road, and you are willing to trade a little distance for driving enjoyment, the A290 is the one that stands out.

Together, these eight Band 1 cars show how the Electric Car Grant is beginning to cover everything from compact city hatches and people carriers to long-range family SUVs and even an electric hot hatch. As more models join the list over time, this spread should only improve.

Citroën ë-C5 Aircross Long Range

The ë-C5 Aircross Long Range is the “do-everything” family SUV of the list. With a 97 kWh battery, around 421 miles WLTP range and Citroën’s trademark comfort-focused suspension, it is built for big miles in relaxed fashion.

Cabin space, soft seats and a very long range make it ideal for drivers who mix motorway work with family duties. It is not the most exciting to drive, but as a quiet, big-range cruiser that removes range anxiety, it is the most “traditional company car” feeling EV here. See our leasing offers on the ë-C5 Aircross here.

Ford E-Tourneo Courier

The E-Tourneo Courier is all about space and flexibility in a very small footprint. It is a five-seat MPV with up to 2,162 litres of luggage space and a boxy body that makes the most of every centimetre.

Real-world range of around 120 miles means it suits urban and local work more than long-distance use, but as a compact people carrier for town, school runs or short-haul business use, it is very practical. The upright driving position and simple interior make it easy to live with, and the grant puts it into play for families who need space more than range.

Ford Puma Gen-E

The Puma Gen-E is a good fit if you want an electric crossover that still feels like a “normal” car to drive. Ford quotes up to 259 miles of range in Eco mode, with around 230–235 miles WLTP depending on version, which is competitive for the size.

It keeps the regular Puma’s tidy handling and useful boot, including the deep “MegaBox” storage well, so it works well as an only car. The interior tech is up to date, with a large digital cluster and SYNC 4 touchscreen, and it feels more like a conventional hatchback on the road than many taller electric SUVs. Check out our leasing offers on the Puma Gen-E here.

Along with the E-Tourneo, the Puma Gen-E was the first car to qualify for the full Electric Car Grant.

MINI Countryman Electric

The all-electric Countryman is the premium compact SUV in the group. With a usable 64.6 kWh battery and around 235–280 miles WLTP range depending on version, it offers decent distance with a more upmarket cabin and brand image.

It stands out for interior quality, strong infotainment and that familiar MINI steering feel, even in a larger body. If you want something family-friendly that still feels a bit special inside, this is the one, though it will generally sit at the higher end of the price range even after the grant. Our MINI lease deals on the Countryman Electric can be found here.

Nissan Leaf

The new Sunderland-built Nissan Leaf is the range champion of the list. Its 75 kWh usable battery delivers up to 386 miles WLTP, or around 269 miles at a steady 70 mph, which is exceptional for the money.

With prices starting from about £32,249 including the grant, it offers long range, proven Nissan EV know-how and a practical family hatchback body. It is not as fashionable as some crossovers, but if you want the biggest possible buffer between charges and a UK-built car, this is the strongest rational choice.

Renault 4

The reborn Renault 4 is a compact electric SUV with a slightly rugged flavour. It offers up to 249 miles of range from a 52 kWh battery and around 148 bhp, wrapped in a tall, practical body that is easy to load and park.

Its appeal is in the mix of retro-inspired styling, sensible size and usable range. Ground clearance and packaging make it well suited to mixed urban and rural use, and it gives buyers who do not want a conventional hatchback something a bit more characterful without sacrificing everyday usability. View our Renault 4 E-Tech leasing offers here.

Renault 5 (52 kWh)

The new Renault 5 is the stand-out small car on the Electric Car Grant list. With a 52 kWh usable battery, up to around 250 miles WLTP and a real-world range of roughly 200 miles, it covers most everyday use with ease.

Prices from roughly £21,500 including the grant make it one of the more affordable ways into a new EV. It is compact, stylish and easy to park, with enough range for commuting and weekend trips. If you want something fun, small and relatively cheap to run, this is probably the sweet spot. Start searching here.