How Can I Buy an Electric Car Through a Scrappage Scheme?

In an effort to decrease harmful emission levels, the UK government introduced car scrappage schemes back in 2009.

 

Whilst they don’t have any plans at present to introduce a new scrappage scheme which relates exclusively to the purchasing of electric vehicles, a car scrappage scheme can give you the opportunity to trade in your current car for a lower-polluting vehicle which meets your needs.

 

How Does a Scrappage Scheme Work?

A car scrappage scheme is a government-led initiative designed to target increasing air pollution levels, by encouraging car owners to sell their old or high-polluting vehicles in order to buy a more environmentally-friendly alternative at a discounted price. This could in turn lead to increased manufacturer sales, and reduced air pollution levels.

 

The age of your car will determine whether or not it complies with current European emission standards - the higher-polluting the vehicle, the more likely it is to meet the requirements of a scrappage scheme.

 

When you buy a car through a government-backed car scrappage scheme, you may in turn be able to buy a car that complies with Euro 6 emissions standards.

 

What Car Scrappage Schemes Can Help Me Buy an Electric Car?

Whilst the UK government did consider a new scrappage scheme back in 2020, this was eventually rejected. The scheme would have offered up to £6,000 off the price of a new EV when you traded in a high-polluting petrol or diesel car.

 

London’s TFL ULEZ car and motorcycle scrappage scheme began in 2019, in an effort to help low-income drivers to afford lower-polluting vehicles. At present, the scheme is closed to new applications due to high demand - it is unclear whether the scheme will open to new applications in the future.

 

Existing Car Scrappage Schemes

Renault’s ‘New For Old Scheme’

Manufacturer Renault offers the ‘New For Old Scheme’, which can give you a cash discount towards a new Renault car. This includes the Zoe E-Tech electric, Clio, and Clio E-Tech hybrid, amongst a range of other models.

 

Whilst the choice available is not extensive, there are still a few hybrid and electric options to consider.

 

Birmingham City Council Scrappage Scheme

Birmingham City Council also offers their own scrappage scheme. You can apply for the Birmingham City Council scrappage scheme provided that:

 

• You are the owner or keeper of a non-compliant vehicle as of 10 September 2018 (proof required)
• You earn £30,000 or less per year (proof required)
• You work a minimum of 18 hours a week in the A4540 section of Birmingham’s CAZ (letter from employer required)

 

If you meet the requirements, then you may be eligible for a £2,000 grant to be used as ‘travel credit’. This is the equivalent of three years of free travel on West Midlands trains, buses, and metro when using this credit on a Swift card.

 

Motorpoint

Alternatively, you can choose a £2,000 discount when you buy a vehicle purchased through Motorpoint.

 

Why Should I Buy an Electric Vehicle?

Whilst buying an electric vehicle through a scrappage scheme is an option, there are not many schemes available at present in the UK. This may change over time as electric vehicles become more popular.

 

Still, switching from a traditional petrol or diesel vehicle to an electric vehicle can help you to save money on running costs.

 

Not to mention that electric vehicles are an environmentally-friendly alternative. EVs produce zero emissions, and are exempt from various taxes and charges as a result. With convenient charging at home, there are countless reasons to opt for an electric vehicle when choosing your next car.