Automotive News – Late August 2025
Estimated reading time 2 minutes
The UK Government has confirmed that grants supporting sole traders and fleet managers to purchase electric vans and trucks will be extended until at least 2027.
The plug-in van and truck grant, which reduces the upfront cost of electric commercial vehicles, currently provides discounts of up to £2,500 for small vans, £5,000 for large vans, £16,000 for small trucks and £25,000 for large trucks.
While final grant levels for the 2026–27 financial year are yet to be announced, funding has been confirmed.
Sales of British-made cars to the US rose in July following the introduction of the UK-US tariff deal.
The 6.8% rise follows three months in a row of falling sales, according to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
In April, US President Donald Trump hiked import taxes on UK cars from 2.5% to 27.5%, which sent shockwaves through the industry, but in May both sides agreed this would be lowered to 10% from the end of June.
Sportscar manufacturer Lotus is to cut 550 jobs at its UK headquarters in Norfolk, the BBC understands.
Lotus, which is based at Hethel, near Wymondham, had previously denied reports that it was to close its factory there and set up a new plant in the United States.
In June, it said it was “actively exploring options in the global market” but remained “committed to the UK”. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cr4evdr355xo
The first electric vehicles (EV) eligible for the £3,750 discount under the government’s grant scheme have been announced.
The Department for Transport confirmed Ford’s Puma Gen-E or e-Tourneo Courier would be discounted as part of plans to encourage drivers to move away from petrol and diesel vehicles.
Under the grant scheme, the discount applies to eligible car models costing up to £37,000, with the most environmentally friendly ones seeing the biggest reductions. Another 26 models have been cleared for discounts of £1,500.
