According to carwow, the UK Government has launched a new electric-car grant offering up to £3,750 off eligible models priced under £37,000. The scheme features a newly refreshed list of EVs — including hatchbacks, estates, SUVs and van-based MPVs — giving private-hire operators more choice than ever.

Carwow reports that the grant will run until at least 2028/29, with different discount levels based on the vehicle category, and more than 40 models now qualifying for support.

DM News: Top 10 Picks From the Grant List

What the New EV Grant Means for Taxi, Uber and Airport-Transfer Drivers

The updated list includes a mix of compact EVs ideal for Uber and city private-hire work, plus larger MPVs and crossovers that better suit airport-transfer operators.

Crucially, unlike previous schemes, larger people-carriers and van-derived EVs now appear in the eligible list — something the taxi/PHV industry has been calling for.

This could help drivers and operators reduce both up-front purchase costs and long-term running costs, especially as fuel prices fluctuate and more clean-air rules come into force around UK airports and city centres.

Below are 10 models cherry-picked from the Carwow-reported eligible list, split into the two key taxi sectors:

Top 5 EVs for Airport Transfers

(Prioritising boot space, comfort, passenger capacity and longer-range suitability.)

1. Citroën e-C5 Aircross – Spacious SUV with strong comfort levels; ideal for luggage-heavy airport runs.
2. Ford E-Tourneo Courier – Van-style practicality and excellent head/legroom for family transfers.
3. Citroën ë-Berlingo – Huge interior space, sliding doors and a taxi-friendly upright seating position.
4. Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric – People-carrier capability for 6–9 passengers, great for groups.
5. Volkswagen ID.4 – Smooth, refined and with enough range for long-distance pick-ups and drop-offs.

Top 5 EVs for Uber & Private Hire

(Prioritising efficiency, comfort, manoeuvrability and low running costs.)

1. Nissan Leaf – Proven workhorse for PHV; cheap to run, reliable and easily charged.
2. Volkswagen ID.3 – Comfortable, compact and ideal for urban Uber and Bolt routes.
3. Toyota bZ4X – Spacious cabin, smooth ride and appealing for slightly premium fares.
4. Renault Megane E-Tech Electric – Stylish, comfortable and efficient for daily stop-start city work.
5. Peugeot e-308 – A practical EV estate option with decent boot space for regular riders with luggage.

(All models above are listed within the eligible grant vehicles as reported by Carwow.)

DM News Commentary

For taxi and private-hire drivers — especially those doing airport transfers — this grant finally levels the playing field.

For years, EV schemes leaned heavily towards small hatchbacks, which are fine for Uber in cities but completely unsuitable for large-party airport work. The new list now includes spacious MPVs like the ë-Berlingo, E-Tourneo Courier and Vivaro Life Electric, which many drivers have been asking for.

The cost-of-living squeeze and rising fuel prices mean EV running costs are becoming increasingly attractive. Electricity (especially home or depot charging) remains far cheaper than diesel on a cost-per-mile basis, and with smoother driving and fewer moving parts, maintenance costs stay low.

For Uber and Bolt drivers, the arrival of more mid-size EVs under the £37k cap means a realistic upgrade path. Cars like the Leaf, ID.3 and e-308 hit a sweet spot for comfort, price and range — and drivers can finally replace ageing hybrids with something cleaner without being priced out.

Airport-transfer operators should particularly note the extra luggage-capacity choices now available, as well as the ability to run large vehicles in ULEZ zones without penalty — a growing factor with so many London-bound airport jobs.

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