Ford e-Tourneo Courier is cheapest to insure under ECG as study shows hatchbacks aren’t always cheaper
A MoneySuperMarket analysis of 24 ECG-eligible models finds insurance costs vary widely, with van-like EVs often cheaper to insure than small hatchbacks.
The cheapest electric cars to insure that qualify for the government’s Electric Car Grant have been ranked by MoneySuperMarket, which analyzed 24 new EVs eligible for ECG. The findings include a notable warning about hatchbacks: smaller cars aren’t automatically cheaper to insure. Instead, many compact hatchback EVs carry higher premiums while van-like family cars tend to be cheaper to insure, and the difference can exceed £500 a year. The takeaway for buyers is to weigh long-term running costs alongside the upfront price when choosing an electric car.
MoneySuperMarket’s analysis shows the average EV costs about £741 to insure per year. The 24 ECG-eligible models span a wide range in both price and premiums as insurers price risk differently across body styles and powertrains. At the bottom of the list, the Ford e-Tourneo Courier is the cheapest to insure, with an average premium of £309.62 and an on-the-road price from £29,940 after ECG deduction of £3,750. The next cheapest is the Peugeot e-Rifter at £337.34 to insure, priced from £30,850 after ECG deduction.
Moving up the scale, the Vauxhall Mokka Electric comes in at £418.93 to insure, with prices starting from £31,005 after ECG. The Peugeot e-2008 follows at £440 to insure, and the Citroen e-C3 is £450.45 to insure. The Citroen e-C3 is available from £20,595 after ECG deduction, making it one of the cheapest EVs to buy while remaining in the ECG scheme. Other examples in the mid-range include the Citroen e-Berlingo at £478.18 and the Renault Scenic e-Tech at £485.65. The Vauxhall Corsa Electric sits around £486.97 to insure, while the Ford Puma Gen-E comes in at £502.74. The Peugeot e-Traveller is £495.50 to insure, underscoring how larger family-oriented EVs can still be surprisingly affordable to insure within the ECG framework.
On the higher end of the list are models such as the Cupra Born at about £544.51 to insure, the Peugeot e-308 at £544.63, and the VW ID.3 at £555.01. The Skoda Elroq dips under £600 to insure at £560.50, and the Renault Megane e-Tech sits at £622.71. The Vauxhall Astra Electric is £622.49 to insure, with the DS 3 e-Tense at £625.37 and the Skoda Enyaq at £642.47. The Citroen e-SpaceTourer, a larger MPV, is £665.43 to insure, followed closely by the Citroen e-C4 at £666.47 and the Nissan Ariya at £685.82.
The list also includes the Vauxhall Vivaro Life Electric MPV, priced from £35,400 with insurance averaging £763.92, and the Peugeot e-208, which costs £826.76 to insure on average. The e-208 is the most expensive ECG-eligible model in MoneySuperMarket’s roundup, despite being a hatchback with a relatively modest on-the-road price after the grant. The e-Tourneo Courier, by contrast, remains the standout bargain for those seeking true running-cost savings under the ECG.
The Johnson-style spread across the ECG-eligible models demonstrates a clear pattern: hatchbacks tend to carry higher insurance premiums in this sample, while larger multi-purpose vehicles and some SUVs or vans can be cheaper to insure—even when their sticker price is higher. The difference between the cheapest and most expensive options in the ECG pool is substantial: the gap between the Ford e-Tourneo Courier at £309.62 and the Peugeot e-208 at £826.76 exceeds £500 per year on average.
The broader takeaway from MoneySuperMarket’s analysis is that consumers should not focus solely on the on-the-road price or grant value when choosing an EV. Insurance costs, together with range, charging availability, and practical needs such as seating and cargo space, shape the total cost of ownership. For families and practical users, the affordability of insurance on MPVs and larger EVs can tip the balance in favor of models that might otherwise appear pricier on the showroom floor.
As policy and market offerings continue to evolve, buyers are urged to compare total ownership costs—purchase price after grants, ongoing insurance, and expected maintenance—alongside performance and range. The ECG remains a key factor, but the insurance landscape for ECG-eligible EVs shows notable variation that can influence long-term affordability for everyday use.
