Alpine A290 gains Band 2 grant

Alpine confirms a £1,500 grant makes the A290 cheaper across the lineup, boosting its appeal.

Alpine A290 Qualifies for Band 2 Electric Car Grant

Alpine has confirmed the A290 now qualifies for Band 2 of the Government Electric Car Grant, cutting £1,500 from the price of every new A290 from today. The grant applies to all body styles, including the 180hp GT and the 220hp GTS, with prices reduced accordingly. The ECG Band 2 tier does not reach the full £3,750 top tier, and Alpine notes the grant sits alongside existing offers so customers can see the full benefit. With paint options and wheels priced separately, buyers can reach a high-spec A290 with surprisingly small extra cost.

The change could influence small electric hatchback buyers who balance performance with budget. Nicola Burnside, Managing Director of Alpine UK, says the A290 marks a bold new chapter for Alpine and that the grant makes electric power more accessible. Analysts caution that the grant’s longevity will depend on budget decisions and market demand, but the move signals a willingness to align product pricing with policy aims as more rivals follow suit.

Policy design matters as much as the price tag. Band 2 grants are a modest subsidy, but they can shift what buyers expect from a car in this segment. Alpine is using the offer to position the A290 as a more affordable performance EV, while the broader market watches whether such incentives endure.

As the EV sector evolves, incentives risk becoming a key factor in buying decisions. If more brands chase the same strategy, the market could become a subsidy race rather than a product race. Consumers will weigh long term costs against sticker price, and manufacturers face the challenge of maintaining quality with price pressure.

Highlights

Incentives can steer the pace of transition, but only steady product quality and real value win lasting trust.