First Kia models qualify for Electric Car Grant

Two Kia EVs have been approved for the Government’s Electric Car Grant, cutting £1,500 from their on-the-road price.

The Kia EV4 and PV5 Passenger are the first two models from the South Korean brand to qualify for the discount, and among the first from any Korean, Japanese or Chinese brands.

The EV4 hatchback is Kia’s first EV to be built in Europe, at its factory in Slovakia. With the band 2 grant applied, the EV4’s starting price is now £33,245.

That will get buyers into an EV4 Air hatchback with a 58.3kWh battery good for a range of up to 273 miles. An 81.4kWh version of the Air is also available and qualifies for the grant, offering up to 388 miles of range for a reduced starting price of £35,495.

The EV4 fastback, which only comes in higher GT-Line and GT-Line S trims and costs from £40,880 doesn’t qualify for the grant.

Alongside Kia’s first ever electric hatchback, its first van-based people carrier, the PV5 Passenger, also qualifies for the ECG.

The rival to the Volkswagen ID Buzz has just gone on sale and with the discount applied now costs from £31,495 – almost £30,000 less than the entry-level passenger Buzz.

The PV5 Passenger is available in two trim levels and with two powertrain choices. The new lower starting price applies to the Essential trim with a 51.3kWh battery and 120bhp motor, which will cover up to 183 miles on a charge. Above that Essential models can also be specified with a 71.2kWh battery and 160bhp motor with a range of 256 miles. Or buyers can opt for the more generously equipped Plus trim, which comes with the larger battery and more powerful motor as standard and also qualifies for the £1,500 saving.

Paul Philpott, president and CEO of Kia UK, said: “We are delighted that Kia customers can now benefit from the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant. This milestone demonstrates our commitment to making electric mobility accessible, practical, and affordable.

“With the support of the grant, even more drivers can experience the innovation, reliability, and sustainability that Kia electric vehicles have become known for. This eligibility comes at an important time, as our nationwide network of PBV Centres become operational, delivering the new award-winning PV5 to customers.”