Skip advert
Advertisement

UK plug-in grant for EVs gets an 18-month extension for existing orders

UK government U-turn on plug-in car grant deadline means grants between 14 June 2021 and 31 March 2023 will now qualify

MINI Electric driving
  • Extension for support on the purchase of electric vehicles
  • Deadline now 31 March 2023 for existing orders
  • Extension due to supply chain issues

The UK’s plug-in car grant has been given an 18-month extension after supply chain issues scuppered delivery times for many orders. This sudden change means car buyers with existing orders processed between June 2022 and 31 March 2023 will still be able to save £1,500, so long as the electric car ordered costs less than £32,000.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s in contrast to the government’s announcement earlier this year that instead of continuing with the plug-in grant until early 2023, support would in fact be ending. 

Bets electric cars 2025The 10 best electric cars in 2025

Previously the government had said that the discontinuation of the plug-in car grant is unlikely to affect the strong sales of EVs. Figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) show that sales of electric cars were around 70% higher in May 2022 than the year before.

The extension of the scheme will not allow car buyers that have yet to place an order for an electric car to take advantage of the discount. Instead, it will give more time to customers with existing orders who are still waiting for delivery due to supply shortages. 

In a statement, the Department for Transport (DfT) said, "To emphasise, this extension does not relate to the consumer window for applying, but for the window industry has for fulfilling orders made through the scheme."

The incoming ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars has increased consumer interest in electric vehicles and the grant existed to help boost access for families that were interested in switching but deterred by the price of a new EV.

Electric cars continue to be in rising demand, helped by company car drivers looking to switch in increasing numbers, thanks to significantly reduced Benefit-in-Kind liability.

Read our guides to the cheapest electric cars and best used electric cars.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best electric cars under £40,000 to avoid the luxury car tax
Best electric cars under 40k
Best cars
14 Mar 2025

Best electric cars under £40,000 to avoid the luxury car tax

New Mercedes CLA sets the standard with enormous 492-mile range
Mercedes CLA EV front quarter
News
13 Mar 2025

New Mercedes CLA sets the standard with enormous 492-mile range

Car warranties: guide to new and used car warranties
new car warranties
Tips and advice
13 Mar 2025

Car warranties: guide to new and used car warranties

What is a V5C? Your car’s log book explained
V5C close up
Tips and advice
13 Mar 2025

What is a V5C? Your car’s log book explained

Most Popular

New Peugeot 208 coming soon with hot GTi version under consideration
Peugeot 208 GTi render front quarter
News
10 Mar 2025

New Peugeot 208 coming soon with hot GTi version under consideration

New Renault Clio to lean into “future icon” design, but EV version off the table
Renault Clio render front quarter
News
5 Mar 2025

New Renault Clio to lean into “future icon” design, but EV version off the table

New BMW iX3 undergoes scorching shakedown ahead of 2025 reveal
BMW iX3 prototype front quarter
News
11 Mar 2025

New BMW iX3 undergoes scorching shakedown ahead of 2025 reveal

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

The 10 best electric cars in 2025
Bets electric cars 2025
Best cars
31 Jan 2025

The 10 best electric cars in 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025
Best cheap to run cars
Best cars
8 Jan 2025

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Fastest hot hatchbacks 2025
Best cars
22 Jan 2025

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2025