The UK Department for Transport launched a national campaign encouraging EV adoption, highlighting savings of up to £3,750 through the Electric Car Grant and £1,400 in annual running costs, supported by an expanding 87,000-strong charging network across Britain.
The UK Department for Transport has launched a nationwide campaign encouraging drivers to transition to EVs, promoting potential savings exceeding £5,000 through government incentives and reduced operating expenses.
The ‘Get that electric feeling’ initiative spans television, radio, and digital platforms to inform consumers about financial benefits available when purchasing EVs. The campaign highlights the Electric Car Grant, which offers discounts up to £3,750 on new EV purchases, alongside estimated annual savings of £1,400 on fuel and maintenance costs.
According to the Department for Transport, more than 50,000 drivers have already utilized the Electric Car Grant since its introduction, contributing to record EV sales. Current market data shows one in four new car purchases in the UK are now EVs.
Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather emphasized the campaign’s economic focus. “Over 50,000 drivers have made savings of up to £3,750 off a new EV and £1,400 a year on running costs,” Mather said. “Our campaign is here to show millions of Brits the benefits of making the switch, which could save their family budget thousands.”
The government is positioning the campaign as part of broader efforts to support British automotive manufacturing and supply chains while creating skilled employment opportunities. Infrastructure development remains central to the strategy, with plans to deploy 100,000 additional public charging points in coming years, supplementing the existing network of 87,000 charge points.
Future infrastructure improvements include planning rule reforms designed to facilitate home charger installation for residents without private driveways, potentially reducing charging costs to as low as 2p per mile.
Ian Plummer, Chief Customer Officer at Auto Trader, noted shifting consumer attitudes. “With almost two-thirds of buyers now considering electric vehicles, according to our latest research, reinforcement of the benefits of electric car ownership is key to ensure consideration translates into buying,” Plummer said.
The campaign features testimonials from current EV owners and will appear across multiple channels, including video-on-demand services, broadcast radio, podcasts, outdoor advertising at petrol stations and motorway service areas, and social media platforms.
Dominic Phinn, Head of Transport at Climate Group, described the initiative as addressing misinformation. “The government’s new EV marketing campaign is a very welcome step towards galvanising the public around smarter, cheaper and cleaner road transport that benefits all,” Phinn said.
