The UK Government launched its new ‘Get that electric feeling’ campaign this week to encourage drivers to make the switch from petrol or diesel vehicles to electric cars.
The campaign highlights potential savings of £1,500 to £3,750 through the Electric Car Grant (ECG) – plus up to £1,400 annually in reduced fuel costs. Officials point to the UK’s network of over 87,000 public charge points as evidence that EV ownership is now more accessible than ever.
Since the ECG launched last July, electric car sales have hit record levels.
One in four new cars sold in the UK is now electric, according to government figures.
‘Get that electric feeling’ will run across multiple platforms – from TV and radio to digital streaming services. The government’s also planning traditional advertising at motorway service stations and shopping centres.
Beyond driving consumer demand, officials say the campaign aims to give manufacturers confidence to invest in UK operations and support job creation.
Charging Infrastructure Expansion
The campaign ties directly into Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s pledge to make EV ownership easier. His administration plans to install an additional 100,000 on-street public chargers specifically for drivers without home charging access.
Last year’s regulatory changes made charging more convenient for those without driveways. The government mandated charge points in new covered car parks and removed planning permission requirements for cross-pavement charging gullies.
Officials also streamlined applications for cross-pavement charging solutions while cutting resident fees by up to £250.
These changes allow drivers to charge for as little as 2p per mile at home – compared to public chargers that can cost ten times more.
Keir Mather, minister for aviation, maritime, and decarbonisation, said the numbers speak for themselves:
“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.”
Industry Response
EVA England – a member association advocating for EV drivers – welcomed the campaign but pushed for additional reforms.
The organization specifically called for VAT cuts on public charging to match domestic rates.
Vicky Edmonds, EVA England CEO, praised the government’s promotion efforts while highlighting remaining barriers:
“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.”
The campaign represents the government’s most comprehensive push yet to accelerate EV adoption across the UK market.
