Electric Car Grant Alert: Millions of Drivers at Risk from EV’s Unique Dangers!

Drivers can now get up to £3,750 off the purchase of a new electric vehicle priced under £37,000, a few years after the prior Conservative Government discontinued the Plug-in Car Grant.

Manufacturers can soon apply for these grants, hopeful that this will spur increased sales of EVs.

If you have a story to share, please contact us at motoring@gbnews.uk

Recent data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that one in four cars sold in June was electric, with petrol and diesel registrations on the decline.

However, this is still below the goal set by the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires manufacturers to have 28 percent of their car sales come from EVs by year’s end.

The targets of the ZEV mandate are set to increase in the coming years, reaching 80 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035, when only zero-emission vehicles will be sold.

The Electric Car Grant is viewed by the automotive industry as a crucial support for boosting EV adoption, though some specialists have expressed concerns.

READ MORE: Electric car grant recognized as a ‘significant advancement’ as drivers could see savings of £3,750 on new EVs

Taylor Walding, a Solicitor in the Personal Injury Claims Team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, emphasized that the Electric Car Grant is essential for encouraging more drivers to transition to electric vehicles in the upcoming years.

“Electric vehicles differ significantly from traditional petrol and diesel cars, presenting new safety and liability challenges,” he stated.

He also mentioned that electric vehicles are among the quietest on the road, which poses additional risks to pedestrians and other road users.

• Changes in driving licenses that might ban passengers and impose curfews are ‘urgently needed’ – ‘Act now!’
• Motorists risk criminal charges and a £1,000 fine for misusing Blue Badges, affecting millions
• A major change at fuel stations has ‘significantly contributed’ to the rise in petrol and diesel prices

Since 2019, the Government has mandated that all manufacturers equip new EVs and hybrids with an acoustic system to produce a minimum noise level, although some argue that they remain too quiet.

Vehicles are required to emit a sound when reversing or moving below 20km/h (approximately 12mph) to alert other road users of their presence.

Walding also pointed out that electric cars deliver “instant torque”, which could be challenging for first-time EV owners to handle properly.

It has been suggested that drivers might benefit from test driving or taking a brief refresher course to get accustomed to the handling of an electric vehicle.

Walding, who has been with BBK since 2025, concluded, “This could lead to confusion or delayed reactions in critical situations.”

In addition to the new Electric Car Grant, Labour also revealed a substantial £63 million EV charging boost for drivers, homes, businesses, and the NHS.

Approximately £25 million will be allocated to local authorities to expand access to more affordable home charging options and the rollout of innovative cross-pavement charging technology.