The UK Government has announced the eligibility of EVs from Nissan, Renault, and Vauxhall for its Electric Car Grant.

Newly eligible models include: the Nissan Micra (pictured) and Ariya; the Renault 4 E-Tech, 5 E-Tech (including the Alpine A290 variant), Megane E-Tech, and Scenic E-Tech; and the Vauxhall Corsa Electric, Combo Life Electric, Astra Electric, Mokka Electric, Frontera Electric, and Grandland Electric.

The newly eligible EVs join previously announced Citroen models in qualifying for the scheme.

All the cars announced so far qualify for the £1,500 ‘Band 2’ grant – none have yet been announced as eligible for the £3,750 ‘Band 1’ grant.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: "With discounts on seventeen car models announced this week alone, we're delivering on our promise to make it easier and cheaper for families to go electric.  

"This is about backing drivers, putting money back into people's pockets and creating the jobs and growth that will drive Britain forward.”

Nissan Motor GB managing director James Taylor said: “The Government’s flagship scheme is a clear signal to both customers and manufacturers that they are prioritising the uptake of electric vehicles in the UK, and on providing affordable options to consumers.

“Nissan have always been electric vehicle pioneers and this announcement is an exciting step in the UK’s electrification journey. Micra and Ariya are first, and we have three new EVs on their way, including the all-electric British-built Leaf which will go on sale later this year.”

Renault UK managing director Adam Wood said: “We have been asking government to match its environmental ambition with action to accelerate demand for electric vehicles, and it has delivered on that with the creation of the Electric Car Grant.

“As a pioneer in electric vehicles, Renault has long been a champion of sustainable mobility, and it is pleasing to see every 100% electric model in our line-up qualify for the Electric Car Grant, including our recent Car of The Year winners Renault 5 and Renault Scenic.

“Moving forward, it is critical that manufacturers, charging infrastructure providers and government continue to collaborate as a team to build the required electric vehicle ecosystem, building on the positivity that this latest scheme injects into the market.”

Alpine UK managing director Nicola Burnside said: “The A290 is a bold new chapter for Alpine, combining performance, fun and emotion with electric power. The Electric Car Grant makes it even more accessible, and we welcome this positive step by the Government to support the transition to electric vehicles.”

Vauxhall managing director Steve Catlin said: “Vauxhall has been committed to electrifying Britain for years and offers some of the most popular electric cars on UK roads.  

“We welcome the support of the Electric Car Grant for every electric model in the Vauxhall line-up - including those manufactured here at our Ellesmere Port plant – and hope this will enable more British motorists to enjoy the benefits of switching to electric.”