Citroen’s new ë-C5 Aircross has become the third car to qualify for the full ‘Band 1’ electric car grant of £3,750 from the government, following on from the Ford Puma Gen-E and van-based Ford Ford E-Tourneo Courier.
However, as the qualification is based on manufacturing sustainability criteria, only the new longer range version of the Aircross will qualify. As it also has to have a starting price of less than £37,000, it is expected that the Citroen will offer a 422-mile claimed range for around £33,250 – although the company has not yet announced official prices.
It is expected that the new Nissan LEAF will become the fourth car to qualify when prices are announced within the next few weeks.
It takes the number of electric models qualifying for the Band 1 and lesser Band 2 grants to 38. According to government figures, more than 30,000 drivers have already made the switch thanks to the grant.
Greg Taylor, Managing Director, Citroën UK, said: "It’s really important to us at Citroën that the transition to electrification is made as accessible as possible and we price all of our vehicles accordingly. ë-C5 Aircross Long Range is the first vehicle of its size and type to receive the full grant which is testament to the hard work of the team at Citroën to make cars that are practical for all. We welcome the support the UK Government is providing to make the transition to electric attainable, and are proud that Citroën continues to lead the way."
It's expected that the Nissan LEAF will be next in line for the grant 
