The Department for Transport has revealed the first models to qualify for its newly launched Electric Car Grant, which will cut the costs of EV ownership.

However, the six models – all from Citroën – only qualify for a £1,500 grant as opposed to the full £3,750.

The discount off the Citroën ë-C3, ë-C3 Aircross, ë-C4, ë-C5, ë-C5 Aircross and the ë-Berlingo will be automatically applied in the purchase of the vehicle and customers do not need to complete any paperwork.

More models will be announced in the coming days and weeks as carmakers engage with the Government over eligibility.

Announced last month, the £650m ‘Electric Car Grant’ (ECG) offers discounts of either £3,750 or £1,500 off the cost of a new electric vehicle with an initial list price up to £37,000. It’s only available on vehicles that have been approved as eligible; to qualify, EVs must meet technical standards, but manufacturers must also hold a verified Science Based Target and the carbon emissions incurred in vehicle assembly and battery cell production locations must be below certain thresholds.

Applications must also provide evidence of which country the vehicle is assembled in and brands from East Asia, including China, South Korea and Japan, are not expected to qualify.

The Government has said the grant will help carmakers boost their sales to meet ZEV mandate targets while enabling more drivers to go electric.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said: “With the first four models approved today and more to come over the next few weeks, this summer we’re making owning an electric car cheaper, easier and a reality for thousands more people across the UK.”

Greg Taylor, managing director at Citroën UK, said: “We welcome the support of the Electric Car Grant and are delighted to be the first to have our electric range, including the new ë-C3, new ë-C4, new ë -C5 Aircross and ë-Berlingo, approved and eligible. At Citroën we want everyone to have the opportunity to make the switch to an electric car and this support will help make our cars more accessible for our customers.”

The RAC has also welcomed the move. Head of policy Simon Williams said: “It’s great to see the first qualifying models announced for the Government’s new Electric Car Grant. Not only does this mean more drivers will benefit from the lower cost of running an electric vehicle, but it’s hopefully the sign of more to come from other manufacturers in the weeks ahead. With nearly 1.6 million battery electric vehicles on the road already, it’s a real boost for the switch to electric.”

With many drivers citing upfront costs as a key barrier to buying an EV, the discounts will bring down the price of electric cars to more closely match their petrol and diesel counterparts. Drivers can also save up to £1,500 a year in fuel and running costs when switching to an EV, according to research.

The Government has said it’s working closely with the industry to make the discounts available to drivers quickly, but there are concerns that the launch of the scheme is holding back sales of electric new cars, as shown by latest registrations data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, which shows smaller-than-expected rises in EV demand. Carmakers have also expressed concerns over a lack of consultation for the scheme and confusion over which cars will qualify.

And Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, said: “With recent sales dipping as drivers waited for details of the grant, today’s announcement provides a welcome boost for interest in electric vehicles. This funding has the potential to make electric cars more affordable for those who buy new, but further demand-led policies that support drivers buying in the used EV market will be crucial in helping many other drivers to make the switch.”