UK Government launches pro-EV campaign centred on financial savings

The UK Government has launched a new ‘Get that electric feeling’ campaign to encourage motorists to switch from a petrol or diesel vehicle to an EV.

The bedrock of the Government’s latest EV push is on how drivers can save between £1,500 and £3,750 thanks to the Electric Car Grant (ECG), up to £1,400 in annual fuel costs, and the ease of transition courtesy of access to over 87,000 public EV charge points nationwide. Following its introduction in July last year, the Government’s ECG campaign has boosted record electric car sales in recent months, with one in four of all new cars sold now electric.

‘Get that electric feeling’ will be rolled out across TV, radio, and digital online platforms, extending from podcasts to social media and on-demand streaming platforms. It will also be part of a traditional ‘out-of-home’ PR campaign, including roadside ads, and at high-footfall locations such as motorway service stations and shopping centres.

In addition to boosting demand for EVs, the government says the campaign will give manufacturers and supply chains the confidence to invest in the UK, while supporting skilled jobs and driving economic growth.

Moreover, ‘Get that electric feeling’ ties in with the Government’s pledge to make EV ownership easier than ever. In the coming years, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s administration seeks to install an additional 100,000 on-street public chargers for motorists who do not have access to a home charger.

Last year, the Government made it easier for those without a wallbox to access nearby, on-street EV charge points by mandating charge points in newly built covered car parks and removing the need for planning permission for setting up discreet cross-pavement charging gullies.

It also promised to accelerate applications for cross-pavement charging solutions and save residents up to £250 in application fees. This would allow motorists to charge for as little as 2p per mile, as opposed to relying on public chargers, which can cost up to 10 times more.

Announcing the ‘Get that electric feeling’ campaign, Keir Mather, the minister for aviation, maritime, and decarbonisation, commented: “Over 50,000 drivers have made savings of up to £3,750 off a new EV and £1,400 a year on running costs.

“Our campaign is here to show millions of Brits the benefits of making the switch, which could save their family budget thousands. With over 87,000 public chargers across the UK and thousands more on the way, our message is clear – going electric has never been easier, and under this government, you can save thousands when you do.”

The ‘Get that electric feeling’ programme was received positively by EVA England, a member association that champions EV drivers and advocates for a faster and fairer transition to electric vehicles.

It did, however, urge the Government to follow through on its consideration of slashing VAT on public charging to bring it in line with domestic charging rates.

Vicky Edmonds, EVA England CEO, added: “It’s positive to see the Government actively promoting the benefits of going electric and helping more drivers understand the savings EVs can offer. Campaigns like this play an important role in building confidence, but more must be done to make switching realistic for everyone.

“Public charging must be affordable for drivers who rely on it, and stronger support to help lower-income households access both the new and used EV market will let more people enjoy the benefits of electric vehicles without the barrier of high upfront costs. Taking these steps is essential to making the EV transition work for all drivers.”