Auto industry competitor MG, like Chinese counterparts, slashes electric vehicle prices due to uncertainties surrounding government subsidies
In a significant development for the electric vehicle (EV) market in Britain, MG Motor UK and Leapmotor have announced that their EV models are now eligible for the UK Government's Electric Car Grant. This follows the meeting of strict environmental standards set by the government, which include being zero-emission at the tailpipe, having a minimum battery range of 100 miles, and coming with a minimum 8-year battery warranty.
To qualify for the higher £3,750 grant level, manufacturers must also have verified Science Based Targets (SBTs) for sustainability, demonstrate that carbon emissions from vehicle assembly and battery cell production are below defined thresholds, and be officially approved by the UK's Department for Transport (DfT).
The MG4 and MG5 EV models are now available at discounted prices, starting from £25,495 after a £1,500 discount. Guy Pigounakis, Commercial Director at MG Motor UK, commented on the move, saying, "We are delighted to announce that our electric line-up remains one of the cheapest in the market after the discount. This move further cements our commitment to making electric vehicles accessible to everyone."
China's continued reliance on fossil fuel-powered manufacturing and battery production makes models assembled in China unlikely to qualify under the new rules. As a result, none of Leapmotor's Chinese-assembled vehicles are likely to meet the required production standards for the UK Government's Electric Car Grant. However, Leapmotor's UK distributor, Stellantis, says the cuts are designed to "avoid delays" caused by the Government's grant approval process.
Leapmotor's compact T03 city car has been reduced by £1,500 to £14,495, making it the most affordable new EV currently on sale in Britain. The larger C10 SUV is being discounted by the full £3,750, rivalling the likes of the Hyundai Kona Electric and Peugeot e-3008. The Dacia Spring is undercut by £500 by Leapmotor's compact T03 city car.
GWM UK has also introduced a £3,750 'Green Grant' for the ORA 03, bringing the starting price down to £21,245 on the road. The GWM 'Green Grant' can be used as a deposit on a Personal Contract Purchase (PCP) agreement, with 0% APR currently available across the range.
The UK Government's Electric Car Grant replaces earlier subsidy schemes and offers up to £3,750 off the price of a new battery-electric car with an RRP below £37,000. The grant is restricted to manufacturers that reach minimum environmental standards, ensuring that only the most sustainable and eco-friendly EVs are eligible.
With these discounts and the availability of the UK Government's Electric Car Grant, affordable electric vehicles are now more accessible than ever to British consumers. MG has been a key contributor to the EV sector, offering affordable electric-only models, and it is expected that other manufacturers will follow suit in the coming months.
- With the UK Government's Electric Car Grant and the discounts offered by MG and GWM, affordable electric vehicles have become more accessible to British consumers.
- MG Motor UK's electric models, such as the MG4 and MG5 EV, have met the UK Government's environmental standards, making them eligible for the Electric Car Grant, which offers up to £3,750 off the purchase price.
- Leapmotor, a Chinese company, has reduced the prices of its T03 city car and C10 SUV to qualify for the Electric Car Grant in Britain, with the T03 now starting at £14,495 and the C10 offering a discount of £3,750.
- The UK Government's Electric Car Grant is restricted to manufacturers that adhere to minimum environmental standards, ensuring that only the most sustainable and eco-friendly electric vehicles are eligible, promoting a greener lifestyle and reducing carbon emissions in the automotive industry.
