Hugely popular EV with 500-mile range could be banned from £3,750 grant
A hugely popular EV with 500-mile range is at risk of being banned from the UK's new £3,750 electric car grant due to new government restrictions.
The UK government's £650m Electric Car Grant (ECG) subsidises up to £3,750 off the purchase price of new EVs costing under £37,000, in the hopes of accelerating the country's transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles ahead of the 2030 ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) car sales.
However, the scheme contains strict criteria — only manufacturers who meet "minimum environmental standards" qualify. Notably, vehicles manufactured in countries with "poor sustainability records or high carbon emissions" are ineligible for the scheme. It comes after UK drivers were warned over 'avoiding' road instead of having to follow new rule.
China, which dominates global EV and battery manufacturing, relies heavily on coal-powered electricity for its factories. According to Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood, in an effort to ensure that the EV shift not only reduces emissions on the road, but also in the manufacturing and supply chain, any manufacturer whose production is powered significantly by coal will be excluded from grant eligibility. As a result, Chinese EVs, including those from BYD and MG, will not qualify.
This also includes Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi 's game-changing entry into the EV market, the new new YU7 electric SUV, which received over 200,000 pre-orders within just three minutes of its launch. The impressive model has an incredible 518-mile range, gets from naught to 60 mph in just 3.23 seconds and boasts a top speed of 157 mph.
China's government has strongly protested the measure, arguing the UK is violating World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules by giving "favourable treatment" to certain countries over others. WTO rules prohibit discrimination in international trade.
An embassy spokesperson said: "China has abolished all market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing and remains open to international carmakers, including those from the UK, who can fully share in the dividends of China's big market.
"We hope the UK's industry policy will observe WTO rules, respect market economy laws and provide an open, fair, just and non-discriminatory environment for the investment and operation of businesses from all countries, including China. The Chinese side is closely following the situation and will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies."
The UK's move comes amid similar tensions in Europe, where EU authorities are investigating Chinese EV imports that threaten the dominance of local auto manufacturers.
On July 16, Ms Greenwood told the BBC 's Today programme: "We don't expect any cars that are assembled in China to be eligible for this scheme. The grant is restricted to those manufacturers that reach minimum environmental standards. And, frankly, if you generate a lot of the electricity that powers your factory through coal power stations, then you are not going to be able to access this grant."
A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson said: "Our electric car grant will give drivers across the UK access to discounts on dozens of new electric car models, helping them save up to £3,750 per car and putting money back into the pockets of working people."
So while the policy aims to support to switchover to EVs and help the UK reach its climate goals, it could also limit Brit consumers' access to some of the most advanced and affordable EVs on the market.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Simple car hack which could save drivers £590 as weather hots up again
Following these simple steps could save Brit drivers hundreds of pounds, especially with temperatures predicted to reach 39C in parts of the UK in August With the UK bracing for another impending heatwave, experts have issued a timely warning to motorists about the hidden dangers soaring temperatures pose to their vehicles — especially the tyres. A simple car maintenance hack could potentially save drivers nearly £600 this summer by helping to avoid tyre blowouts, an often-overlooked risk intensified by hotter weather. As the mercury rises, so do tyre pressures. When tyres are exposed to prolonged heat — such as the incoming scorcher of a heatwave forecast for August, when temperature are predicted to reach 39°C in parts of the UK — the air inside them expands, sometimes exceeding safe limits. It comes after UK drivers were warned over 'avoiding' road instead of having to follow new rule. As reported by the Express, this can spell trouble, particularly when tyres are already inflated towards their upper limit. While the catastrophic event of all four tyres bursting at once is rare, it is not impossible, and replacing them at average UK prices could leave drivers with a whopping £590 bill, never mind potential costs if a blowout were to lead to a collision. Fortunately, auto specialists from 1dot have outlined practical steps drivers can take to mitigate this risk and keep costs at bay. The first crucial piece of advice is to always check tyre pressures first thing in the morning when the tyres are cold. This ensures that the pressure measurement reflects the actual level, unaffected by heat-induced expansion. If a morning check isn't feasible, experts suggest parking the car in the shade and waiting several hours before checking tyre pressure, allowing them to cool fully. Another common pitfall is over-inflation. Some drivers believe pumping tyres above the manufacturer's recommendation can help maintain pressure for longer, but this actually increases the risk of a blowout during higher temperatures. It is recommended that you should always stick strictly to the manufacturer's suggested pressure settings for optimal performance and safety. Parking in the shade becomes doubly important during a heatwave — not only does this keep the vehicle's interior cool, it also limits the amount of heat the tyres absorb, reducing pressure build-up and the likelihood of damage. Investing in a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS) is also strongly recommended. Even if your car already warns you when tyre pressures are outside safe thresholds, manual checks during exceptionally hot periods remain invaluable. Extreme weather can amplify the lag between TPMS alerts and real-time changes in tyre pressure, so a manual check acts as an extra safeguard against sudden, costly failures. With forecasts predicting extended periods of high pressure and persistent heat, taking these straightforward steps could mean avoiding the steep cost of new tyres this summer. As temperatures climb and the UK braces for potentially record-breaking heat, proactively checking tyre pressures (especially when cold), avoiding over-inflation, parking in the shade, and investing in a TPMS could collectively save drivers up to £590 and provide peace of mind on the road.
Daily Mirror
10 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Ghislaine Maxwell 'quizzed in jail' about high-profile Brits' links to Epstein
US lawyers have been quizzing Ghislaine Maxwell about other Brits' relationships with Jeffrey Epstein. She was convicted in 2021 of helping Epstein sexually abuse underage girls Ghislaine Maxwell has been quizzed about other Brits' relationships with paedophile Jeffrey Epstein. US government lawyers interviewed her about more than 100 people connected to her ex-boyfriend. As well as Prince Andrew, they include three other Brits linked to Epstein's inner circle. One is described as a 'high-profile public figure' whose long-standing friendship with the New York financier raised concern even before his 2019 jailhouse suicide. The other two are known to have spent significant time at Epstein's various homes, including his private island in the Caribbean, his Manhattan townhouse and his New Mexico ranch. Maxwell – serving 20 years in a US jail for helping Epstein abuse young girls – discussed the names during interviews with the Deputy US Attorney General, Todd Blanche. Prison They focused on UK associates of Epstein and British socialite Maxwell during the 1990s and early 2000s. 'There was more than just Prince Andrew known to Epstein,' said a source. 'Blanche asked detailed, forensic questions about three other British nationals. 'He was very specific about dates, locations and their relationship to Epstein. It was clear the Department of Justice is now pulling on threads that go far beyond just the Duke where Brits are concerned.' The interviews took place two weeks ago in Tallahassee, near the Florida prison where Maxwell was held. Since then, she has been moved to a cushier jail in Bryan, Texas. Two of the Brits are understood to have flown on Epstein's private jet, the Lolita Express, several times. The third was present at multiple dinners hosted by Epstein in New York and Palm Beach. 'The DoJ has questions about why these individuals were in Epstein's orbit, what they witnessed, and what they may have known,' the insider said. 'Blanche was clearly well briefed and Maxwell knows she's not the last Brit they'll be speaking to.' The interviews come amid a growing storm over President Donald Trump 's friendship with Epstein and Maxwell. Backlash Trump had vowed to release all the files relating to the paedophile if he won re-election but has now reneged on his U-turn has sparked a backlash among even his fanatical supporters. US lawmakers have signalled their support for public hearings into how Epstein operated with apparent impunity for decades – and how he secured sweetheart deals from prosecutors. Sources say Blanche's involvement in the Epstein case shows that Trump is braced for further fallout. Blanche won the second most powerful US legal post after fighting Trump's criminal cases last year. Meanwhile, Ghislaine – daughter of fraudster tycoon Robert Maxwell – is seeking a presidential pardon and to have her 2022 conviction overturned. 'There's a belief she's holding out for a pardon or some kind of deal to commute her sentence if she co-operates,' said another source. 'But the Americans want more than vague recollections, they want names, locations, and documents.' A contacts book of Epstein's found by investigators lists more than 300 individuals from the UK. Maxwell's name, alongside Andrew's, appears repeatedly in flight logs, calendars and photographs held by the FBI. Victims of Epstein – who hanged himself in jail aged 66 while awaiting trial – and Maxwell, 63, have spoken out against any leniency for her. Last week, the family of Virginia Giuffre branded Maxwell a 'monster who deserves to rot in prison for the rest of her life'. Their statement went on: 'She destroyed the lives of girls and young women without conscience. Virginia always said Maxwell was vicious and could often be more cruel than Epstein.' Virginia killed herself in April, aged 41, three years after winning an out-of-court settlement from Prince Andrew. In 2001 the Duke posed with Virginia, then 17, and Maxwell in one of the most viewed royal photos ever, which was said to have been taken by Epstein at Maxwell's London home. Virginia's family also attacked Trump after he claimed Epstein 'stole' her from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida when she was 16. Her dad, Sky Roberts, said: 'It makes us ask if he (Trump) was aware of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal actions.' Trump made the remarks during an impromptu press conference aboard Air Force One last week, where he claimed Epstein had poached his staff. He named Virginia, who had worked at the resort spa as a locker room attendant as a teenager. 'Everyone knows the people that were taken,' Trump said. 'People were taken out of the spa hired by him. I didn't know that. And then when I heard about it, I told him, 'Listen, we don't want you taking our people'…And he was fine. And then not too long after that, he did it again. And I said, 'Out of here'.' Prior to their fallout, both the paedophile and Maxwell had been regulars at Trump's Palm Beach club, often photographed alongside him and his then-girlfriend Melania. Virginia's family said the president's comments raised 'disturbing questions', not least because Trump had once publicly joked that Epstein 'likes women on the younger side… no doubt about it.' They said: 'We and the public are asking for answers.' Virginia had long claimed she was recruited into the sex ring in 2000, after Maxwell approached her at Mar-a-Lago. She was just 16 at the time. Virginia would go on to accuse Andrew of having sex with her three times at the behest of Epstein, a claim the Duke of York vehemently denies. Her family added: 'We would like to clarify that our sister was preyed upon by Maxwell during her time working for Trump. This was in 2000, four years before Trump and Epstein reportedly fell out.' While it remains unclear whether the three Britons will be named, Epstein's victims have welcomed the expanded scope of the inquiry. One said: 'There is a groundswell of support that the truth comes out.'
Auto Blog
14 hours ago
- Auto Blog
Report: Toyota Still Considering Smaller Unibody Truck for US
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Sure, they're cleaner and more energy efficient, but automakers like Hyundai, Cadillac and Porsche are betting a better way to get buyers interested in EVs is to sell their unrivaled performance. Ford and Hyundai have succeeded in the compact truck segment — could Toyota be next? Small trucks have had a bumpy history in the States. However, lately, some automakers have found success with smaller-than-usual offerings, including Ford's Maverick and Hyundai's Santa Cruz, both of which are small pickups. The small truck segment could grow even more with the Bezos-backed Slate pickup, albeit its existence has become a lot more uncertain in the last few weeks as EV incentives go the way of Amelia Earhart. Then, we get to Toyota. Recent reports coming from Automotive News seem to indicate Toyota may still bring a tyke-sized truck to the US market, and it might not be the truck you expect it to be. 2025 Toyota Tacoma SR 2025 Ford Maverick Lariat A smaller Toyota truck would not share much with existing Toyota truck offerings While the current Toyota truck lineup in the US features solely body-on-frame construction, the prospective addition to the family would likely be based on the RAV4. Automotive News reports that Toyota Motor North America is still 'studying' a compact unibody-based pickup for the US market. They also confirm that the Corolla-based and electrified truck that Toyota is selling in Brazil is decidedly 'too small' for the US. Disappearing incentives/rebates and tariffs are also likely contributing factors as to why we won't get that smaller pickup. By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. Toyota EPU Concept Toyota EPU Concept A truck built on the TNGA-K platform — which underpins the RAV4, Camry, Sienna, and others — means staying more than competitive with other small truck offerings. The Grand Highlander, a TNGA-K vehicle, can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which is 1,000 more than what the Maverick can muster. Considering even the three-row Grand Highlander is only two inches longer than the Maverick, the platform's size would be right on the money, too. Although at one point speculation pointed towards electrification, that plan — if there ever was one — is almost certainly scrapped in the face of loosening EPA regulations and dashed EV rebates. In the US, anyway, as Europe is a different story. Automotive News thinks 2028 would be the earliest we'd see the hypothetical truck. A new small truck fits Toyota's goals like a glove In related chats with Ted Ogawa, Toyota North America CEO, Automotive News uncovered additional pieces of the puzzle that might point towards a tinier truck alternative. 'When we talk about affordability, the key is the entry segment,' Ogawa says. 'So, in our lineup, that means Corolla and Corolla Cross.' That covers the small SUV and sedan segment; why not bring in an 'entry segment' truck to round things out? Another priority of Ogawa's — and, realistically, all automakers — is getting the most bang per buck at a platform level. 'Products must be refreshed, but the platform can be extended,' he tells AN. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. There's one last intimation we glean from the Ogawa interview. 'Toyota's basic policy is to build where we sell and buy where we build,' he starts. Later, we get a real-world example. 'In the case of the Corolla sedan, currently the internal-combustion version is built in Mississippi. But the hybrid is built in Japan, because that plant is more competitive for that product.' We can't imagine any market more ready to chomp at the bit for an affordable, small Toyota pickup than the US. The Slate hype — which may have, ultimately, been just that — was all the evidence we needed. 2024 Toyota Tacoma SR5 2025 Ford Maverick Final thoughts New Toyota truck rumors have persisted for years. Ford moved 48,041 Mavericks in just the second quarter of 2025. Arguably more importantly, a whopping 60% of Maverick buyers were new to the brand. Some of those customers inevitably migrated from Toyota, and that's got to hurt. We think the chances are high that Toyota wants to bring a competitor to the market. It's just a question of when, and whether or not 2028 will be too late. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile
