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

Despite only being in place since July 2025, around 140,000 drivers had already taken advantage of the Electric Car Grant in its first 12 months alone, according to multiple industry reports published on the scheme’s one-year anniversary. EV registrations increased by almost 24% last year as growing numbers opted for the environmental and cost benefits of an electric vehicle.

The Electric Car Grant currently offers £3,750 off Band 1 models, helping to bring a growing list of long-range electric cars under the psychological £40,000 mark and making EVs more accessible for everyday drivers. With a growing number of EVs appearing on the UK market, new models are also being added to the list of eligible models on a regular basis.

So far, we’ve seen a broad choice of models and styles make it into the top tier and qualify for the full £3,750 discount. Together, they 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.

Of the cars currently qualifying in Band 1, below you’ll find our brief verdict on each one, and why they stand out as some of the best cars to consider leasing when switching to an EV.

Hyundai Kona Electric

Hyundai’s Kona Electric now qualifies for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, giving one of Europe’s best-selling electric SUVs even more value-for-money. Prices now start from £31,250 with the saving applied, making it a more accessible option for drivers who want a practical, well-equipped EV with a proven track record.

The latest model offers two battery choices: a 48.4kWh version with around 150bhp for everyday use, and a 65.4kWh long-range model delivering 215bhp and up to 319 miles of range. That combination of usable performance, solid efficiency and family-friendly practicality has always been the Kona’s appeal, and the enhanced grant simply strengthens its position as one of the most capable all-rounders in the segment.

Full Band 1 eligibility follows a review of the Kona Electric’s environmental supply chain credentials, reflecting Hyundai’s wider sustainability commitments. For drivers looking for a dependable, versatile electric SUV with strong range and now even better value, leasing the Kona Electric is an easy model to recommend.

BMW iX1 & BMW iX2

BMW’s iX1 and iX2 are also new additions eligible for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, making them the first premium German models to qualify for the scheme. It’s a significant moment for drivers who want a high-quality electric SUV without the usual premium price tag, and selected versions of both cars are now cheaper than their petrol equivalents.

The iX1 and iX2 eDrive20 models combine BMW’s familiar driving enjoyment with the smoothness of electric power, offering strong everyday performance and the kind of refinement you’d expect from the brand. With prices starting from £33,315 after the grant, they deliver premium build quality, modern tech and practical range in a more accessible package. The newly added iX2 eDrive20 Sport also broadens the choice, bringing BMW’s coupe-styled electric SUV into Band 1 for the first time.

Their eligibility reflects BMW’s wider sustainability push, with production processes meeting the scheme’s strict environmental criteria. For drivers who want a premium electric SUV with a more attainable price point, the iX1 and iX2 now stand out as compelling options. Our BMW lease deals can be found here.

Fiat 500e & Abarth 500e

Fiat’s 500e and the performance-focused Abarth 500e both qualify for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, giving buyers two distinct versions of the same compact electric hatchback. The Fiat focuses on style, simplicity and everyday usability, while the Abarth adds more power and a sportier character — but both benefit from the same city-friendly footprint and zero-emissions running.

The Fiat 500e is the more relaxed option, blending iconic Italian design with compact practicality and a smart, well-equipped interior. With prices starting from £17,245 including the grant, it’s one of the most affordable EVs in the scheme and an easy choice for urban drivers who want something small, efficient and stylish. The price only strengthens its appeal, making electric motoring more accessible to a wider audience.

The Abarth 500e takes that formula and turns up the excitement. Its 155bhp motor, sharp handling and bold styling give it a livelier personality, and the grant brings the starting price down to £24,245 (£27,245 for the Convertible). It’s still compact and practical, but the extra performance makes it a fun option for drivers who want an EV with more attitude.

With both versions meeting the scheme’s strict environmental criteria, it’s simply a case of choosing whether you prefer the classic Fiat feel or the more energetic Abarth flavour.

Kia EV2

Kia’s EV2 Long Range has also joined the list of models eligible for the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant, making it one of the most affordable Band 1 EVs currently available. With prices starting from £24,245 after the saving, it offers strong value for drivers who want a compact electric SUV with a useful real-world range and plenty of standard equipment.

The Long-Range versions use a 61kWh battery and deliver up to 275 miles on a single charge, which is more than enough for everyday commuting and longer weekend trips. Kia offers the EV2 in ‘Air’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ trims, all of which come well equipped, so even the entry-level model feels modern and easy to live with.

With the EV2 now joining the EV4 in Band 1, Kia continues to expand its line-up of grant-eligible electric cars. It’s a practical, well-priced choice for drivers looking to switch to electric without stretching their budget, and its combination of range, equipment and affordability makes it one of the more accessible options in the scheme.

Renault Scenic E-Tech electric

Renault’s Scenic E-Tech electric is already a multi-award-winning family EV, and now it becomes even more appealing thanks to full eligibility for the £3,750 Electric Car Grant. With prices starting from £33,245 after the saving, it offers a strong blend of practicality, long range and modern design at a genuinely competitive price point.

The Scenic uses a 220bhp electric motor and a large 87kWh battery, giving it an impressive official range of up to 381 miles. That makes it one of the longest-range models in the grant scheme, and a very capable choice for families who want an EV that can handle both daily driving and longer trips without fuss. Inside, it’s packed with intuitive tech and available in three well-equipped trim levels, so it’s easy to find a version that suits your needs.

Renault’s wider sustainability push also plays a part in the Scenic qualifying for the full grant, with its battery production now powered entirely by renewable energy. It’s a neat bonus for drivers who want an electric car that’s built with environmental responsibility in mind as well as everyday usability. Lease a Renault Scenic here.

Kia EV4

Kia has strengthened its position in the electric-car grant landscape, with the EV4 range now upgraded to the full Tier 1 £3,750 grant.

This includes the EV4 Air (Standard and Long Range) and the EV4 Motion, making them the first Kia models to qualify for the top-tier discount. With the grant applied, the EV4 range now starts from £30,995, significantly improving affordability for both retail and fleet customers. Kia also expects the upcoming EV2 Long Range to join the Tier 1 list later this year, expanding the brand’s presence even further.

Alongside these, the EV2 Standard Range, EV3 and PV5 Passenger models remain eligible for the Tier 2 £1,500 grant. With four models now qualifying across both bands, Kia is rapidly becoming one of the strongest EV brands in the UK, and a major contender for cost-conscious drivers looking to go electric.

Nissan Micra 52kW

The new Micra’s 52kW powertrain offers enough range (almost 260 miles) and performance to handle typical UK driving with ease. Perfectly suited to urban and suburban use, the battery provides a usable real-world range designed around short commutes, school runs and weekend errands.

Trim levels offer a choice between value-focused simplicity and more generously equipped variants, although even entry-level models still include the modern essentials of touchscreen infotainment, smartphone connectivity, and the latest safety tech.

The Micra was created to be light, efficient, and easy to live with, keeping running costs low and charging times convenient. Sitting in the scheme’s most generous bracket, its inclusion perfectly illustrates the grant’s purpose of encouraging accessible, everyday EV adoption. And with lease deals like ours, you’ll be taking advantage of the new Micra and its full Electric Car Grant.

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)

Sharing much of its underpinnings with the new Micra that has just joined it, the Renault 5 is another 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. You can search Renault 5 leasing here.

Tier 1 (Band 1 – £3,750 grant)

Official GOV.UK list

The current Band 1 eligible vehicles are:

• Abarth 500e
• Alpine A290
• BMW iX1
• BMW iX2
• Citroën ë-C5 Aircross Long Range
• Fiat 500e
• Fiat 500e Urban Range
• Ford E-Tourneo Courier
• Ford Puma Gen-E
• Hyundai KONA Electric
• Kia EV2 Long Range
• Kia EV4
• MINI Countryman Electric
• Nissan LEAF
• Nissan Micra (52kWh)
• Renault 4
• Renault 5 (52 kWh)
• Renault Scenic