Labour’s £650million Electric Car Grant is already boosting interest and uptake in electric vehicles, according to new data.

The introduction of the Government’s electric vehicle incentive has contributed to a four per cent increase in visits to Autotrader’s new car platform.

The growth in demand for the new car platform has been boosted by the launch of the new “75” number plate at the start of the month, as well as the Electric Car Grant.

Ford’s Puma Gen-E electric vehicle has seen a huge rise in interest, in addition to being one of just two eligible vehicles for the full £3,750 discount.

It is currently the second most popular new electric vehicle on the Autotrader platform, with an impressive 6.4 per cent share of all new EVs in September.

In comparison, the Puma Gen-E had a share of just 0.7 per cent in August, meaning it is also the fastest growing model this month.

The Ford Puma Gen-E retails for just £26,245 once the ECG discount is added, and comes complete with 233 miles of battery range and fast charging technology.

The hybrid version of the Puma is already the UK’s most popular vehicle, having sold 33,221 models so far this year, in addition to 48,340 registrations in 2024.

While the Puma Gen-E is experiencing massive growth in popularity, it remains behind the MG S5, which has captured a market share of 11 per cent.

The electric SUV has a WLTP range of up to 298 miles and can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in less than half an hour, making it a suitable option for families who want to make the switch to EVs.

Despite not yet being eligible for a discount through Labour’s scheme, the electric vehicle retails for an affordable £28,745.

Bex Kennett, performance director at Autotrader, said: “Although the Puma Gen-E is the only model currently qualifying for the full Level 1 discount, over 37 EVs are eligible for the grant, and many other brands also offering their own discounts to compete, resulting in great savings for buyers.

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“With four out of the top five most in-demand new electric models on our platform supported by the grant, it’s clear it’s having the desired effect, fuelling interest among consumers on the lookout for their next new car purchase.”

Emerging Chinese brands are also seeing growth in the UK’s car market, with the Jaecoo 7 coming out on top for the second consecutive month across all fuel types.

The premium SUV, which is available with a petrol or hybrid powertrain, is responsible for more than one in 20 enquiries in September so far.

Other popular models include the BYD Seal U with 1.5 per cent of the share of enquiries, placing it in eigth place among all fuel types.

Ms Kennett called on retailers to “maximise the opportunity” to put electric cars that are growing in popularity in front of customers who are willing to make the transition to EVs.

She noted that it was a “fantastic time” to “take the plunge” with an electric car, especially if they are clear on the benefits of owning one compared to a petrol or diesel model.

Autotrader also highlighted the impact of the September plate change, which stimulates growth in the market for drivers wanting to get their hands on the latest models on the forecourt.

In turn, manufacturers discounted vehicles further, with the average price cut rising from 9.8 per cent off the recommended retail price (RRP) last month to 10.1 per cent off RRP in September.