Reduces prices on electric vehicles with an in-house incentive from Smart
Smart Introduces Discount Scheme for Electric SUVs, Aligning with Government-Led EV Grant
In a move to make electric mobility more accessible, Smart has announced a new discount scheme for their electric SUV models. The scheme, dubbed the "Smart EV Car Grant", is designed to coincide with the Government-led Electric Vehicle Grant, which offers up to £3,750 off the purchase prices of eligible cars.
The discount will result in a savings of £1,500 on the prices of the #1 and #3 Smart SUVs. With the addition of the grant, the total savings on each car are £3,500. This makes these already affordable electric vehicles even more attractive to potential buyers.
However, the eligibility criteria for the Government-led Electric Vehicle Grant are yet to be clearly defined. Rumors suggest that cars and batteries built in China may not qualify, but official statements from the Government are yet to be made on this matter.
The Government-led Electric Vehicle Grant requires that the vehicle be new, zero emission at the tailpipe, priced at £37,000 or less, and have a minimum battery range of 100 miles with a minimum 8-year battery warranty. Additionally, the vehicle must be manufactured by a company with verified science-based sustainability targets, demonstrating efforts to minimize carbon emissions across production and assembly processes.
The grant offers two tiers of support: £3,750 for vehicles manufactured to the highest sustainability standards (Band One), and £1,500 for vehicles meeting basic environmental criteria but not the highest sustainability standards. Vehicles must be approved by the Department for Transport (DfT) and the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) to be eligible. The grant applies only to new vehicles at the point of first registration, and the discount is applied automatically by manufacturers or approved dealers at the point of sale. Eligible purchasers include private buyers, personal lease customers, salary sacrifice scheme participants, and business lease customers for vehicles meeting the price and sustainability conditions.
Other brands that have similar discount schemes include MG, Leapmotor, Alfa Romeo, Volvo, and others. Smart's CEO, Jason Allbutt, stated that the discount scheme is in line with the company's commitment to opening minds toward electric mobility. He also highlighted that their award-winning EV range features a combination of premium design and cutting-edge technology.
The prices for the #1 Smart SUV now start at £28,460, and the #3 Smart SUV prices start at £31,460. Ministers have not disclosed the eligibility criteria for the Government-led Electric Vehicle Grant, leaving potential buyers in a state of uncertainty. However, with the discount scheme in place, these Smart SUVs offer exceptional value for money, making them a compelling choice for those looking to make the switch to electric vehicles.
[1] Government-led Electric Vehicle Grant guidelines: [Link] [2] Smart EV Car Grant details: [Link] [3] Sustainability standards for EV manufacturers: [Link] [4] Approval process for EVs by DfT and VCA: [Link]
Taking cues from Smart's new discount scheme for their electric vehicles, potential buyers might reconsider their lifestyle choices, embracing the affordable #1 and #3 Smart SUVs. Amidst the Government-led Electric Vehicle Grant's unclear eligibility criteria, these electric SUVs, marrying premium design with technology, still stand as attractive, cost-effective solutions for transitioning to a more sustainable, tech-centric lifestyle – a choice backed by the Smart EV Car Grant, offering up to £3,500 in savings.
