Smart, Skywell and Volvo join OEMs launching own EV discount schemes

Smart, Skywell and Volvo have joined the other brands that are launching their own electric vehicle discount schemes following the Government’s Electric Car Grant.

Leapmotor, GWM, Alfa Romeo and MG have already introduced their own EV incentives.

Smart UK has introduced its own ‘Smart EV Car Grant’, offering an extra £1,500 on top of existing offers.

This brings the total saving to £3,500 on the smart #1 and £2,500 on the smart #3.

The move comes as the brand looks to maintain momentum in a competitive EV market, particularly ahead of the arrival of its new #5 SUV later this year.

Volvo Car UK is also offering a £1,500 incentive across its EX30 range.

Meanwhile, Skywell UK has responded to uncertainty around the rollout of the Electric Car Grant by launching a temporary £3,750 incentive for retail buyers of its BE11 SUV.

The brand’s parent company, Skyworth Group, confirmed the support while it works through the government’s approval process. With an additional £6,000 finance deposit contribution already in place, the BE11 Standard Range now starts from £27,245.

The brands have said the new incentives are aimed at providing customers with clarity and confidence while the Government’s eligibility criteria and approval timelines remain in flux.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) confirmed that it was not consulted before the launch of the ECG.

OEMs must submit their EVs to the scheme for approval before any grants can begin. The electric car grant (ECG) requires manufacturers to have committed to a verified science-based target (SBT) for emissions and have embodied carbon scores below a certain threshold.

Where the battery was made and where the car was assembled are contributory factors, to consider data on each country's use of sustainable energy. This may penalise products built in China and South Korea where fossil fuels are heavily used.

The ‘greenest’ vehicles in band one will receive up to £3,750, with band two vehicles receiving up to £1,500.

MG's commercial director Guy Pigounakis recently highlighted that customers have stopped buying low-priced EVs since the ECG was announced as they are waiting for the grant to come into effect, and this has driven some OEMs to act now.