Chinese EV manufacturer Skywell announced a £3,750 price cut on its BE11 SUV as the UK Government delays announcing which brands qualify for its new Electric Car Grant.
The company’s decision comes while officials still haven’t revealed which all-electric vehicles will be eligible for the ECG scheme. Carmakers must provide evidence showing their battery and manufacturing processes meet environmental standards.
The uncertainty has sparked concerns among Chinese manufacturers.
Several brands worry they won’t meet the government’s criteria. Skywell’s Chinese competitors Leapmotor and GWM have introduced their own grants – between £1,500 and £3,750 on electric models. Hyundai has followed suit with similar discounts.
Pricing and Specifications
With Skywell’s grant applied, the BE11 now starts at £27,245 for the standard version. That model includes a 72kWh battery delivering 248 miles of range.
The BE11 long range costs £30,245. It features an 86kWh battery pack with 304-mile range capability.
Standard equipment includes a 12.8-inch infotainment display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The SUV also comes with an opening panoramic sunroof and vehicle-to-load functionality.
Additional features cover 19-inch alloy wheels, 360-degree parking monitor, front and rear sensors, and automatic park assist.
Company Response to Grant Delays
Miss Rosy He, sales director for Skyworth – Skywell’s parent company – addressed the government scheme’s complications.
“The recently announced Electric Car Grant comes with a number of restrictions, and requirements not seen previously, which may delay Skywell’s participation in the scheme, whilst we gather the required document and request approval,”
she said.
The company plans to work with UK officials hoping their vehicles gain scheme eligibility.
He emphasized the brand’s commitment to electrification support. “We want to show UK customers that we fully support the shift to electrification. We know the Skywell BE11 is a great value proposition and have already seen popularity from family buyers and business users alike across other markets.”
The sales director noted they’re removing government-imposed price barriers. This allows both BE11 models to qualify for Skywell’s incentive program.
Despite its value positioning, the BE11 has faced criticism from automotive reviewers. Some publications have described it as among Britain’s poorest-performing vehicles currently available.
The government’s ECG scheme represents a significant policy shift requiring environmental documentation from manufacturers – a requirement that’s particularly challenging international brands entering the UK market.
