Smart announced its own £1,500 ‘smart EV car grant’ this week, joining several manufacturers offering price cuts while waiting for clarity on the UK Government’s Electric Car Grant eligibility.
The move reduces prices across smart’s current lineup by up to £3,500 total.
Since the government announced its Electric Car Grant on July 14, manufacturers remain uncertain about which brands qualify for the official program. Industry experts say the unclear guidelines create more questions than confidence.
Manufacturer Response to Grant Uncertainty
Renault and Vauxhall previously announced their own electric car grants. Several Chinese-owned manufacturers – including GWM, Leapmotor, and Volvo – followed with similar programs.
Smart is owned by Chinese automotive giant Geely, which also controls Polestar and Lotus.
The entire smart lineup consists entirely of electric vehicles.
The smallest model, the smart #1, already featured a £2,000 price reduction before this announcement. Combined with the new £1,500 grant, the entry-level Pure trim now costs £26,460 – a total reduction of £3,500.
Current Pricing Structure
The smart #3 benefits from both discounts, bringing its starting price to £30,460.
Smart hasn’t confirmed whether its upcoming #5 SUV – positioned to compete with the Tesla Model Y – will qualify for the manufacturer grant when it launches this autumn.
Jason Allbut, smart UK CEO, said the program provides immediate pricing clarity for customers.
“In line with our commitment to opening minds toward electric mobility, our #1 and #3 already offer exceptional value for money.”
“This initiative will provide customers in the market for a new car with immediate confidence in their access to smart’s most competitive prices, avoiding leaving buyers in limbo while the industry adapts to evolving external influences.”
The manufacturer grants reflect growing industry frustration with the government’s delayed eligibility announcements – leaving both dealers and customers uncertain about final pricing structures.
Smart’s move particularly benefits buyers considering compact electric vehicles, where the combined discounts represent significant savings in a competitive market segment.
