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From discounts on electric cars to breakthroughs in cooling fluids, these were the five car news stories that dominated Carwow this year.

2025 gave us lots of car headlines, but only a few made waves. Here are the five Carwow news stories everyone was talking about this year, from policy changes to breakthrough technologies.

Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.

1. The electric car grant

If you’re thinking about going electric, there’s one story you may have seen pop up regularly on your news feed as a car enthusiast. In July, the UK announced a £650 million electric car grant scheme, which could save you up to £3,750 on a qualifying new electric car.

The list of eligible models now exceeds 40 and includes cars from brands such as Ford, Nissan, Renault, Skoda, Toyota, and Volkswagen. So far, only eight qualify for the full grant, while every other eligible car still receives a £1,500 discount. Does this news tempt you to make the switch?

Want to learn more and find out which models are eligible? Here’s everything you need to know about the electric car grant.

2. Government relaxes ban on hybrids

In April, Prime Minister Keir Starmer eased UK EV targets to shield carmakers from US trade tariffs. While the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars remains, full and plug-in hybrids can now be sold until 2035, and luxury brands such as McLaren, Lotus, and Aston Martin are exempt.

The move gives drivers the chance to choose a new hybrid for longer, so it’s no wonder this has made waves. Some critics worry it could slow the switch to fully electric cars, while industry leaders welcome the flexibility and EV advocates say we still need to push for faster electrification.

Read the full story here.

3. Cuts to the Motability scheme

Leading up to the 2025 Autumn Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced plans to cut £1 billion from the Motability scheme, while removing premium brands like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes. The scheme, which helps over 800,000 people with disabilities lease cars, scooters, or powered wheelchairs, will now focus on more affordable, British-built models.

Because it affects so many people’s independence, work, and daily life, it’s understandable why this story has resonated so widely on Carwow. While intended as cost-saving, critics warn the changes could increase costs and restrict access for disabled drivers who rely on the programme.

Read how cuts to the Motability scheme could impact drivers with disabilities here.

4. Living with a cheap Nissan Leaf

This is the only story about a specific car model to make it into Carwow’s top five biggest news stories this year. We bought a £1,500 2013 Nissan Leaf in 2024 and used it as an urban runaround to see what it’s really like to live with – and whether it’s worth buying.

No spoilers, but news editor Jamie Edkins breaks down the pros and cons of the Leaf and what you need to know before taking the plunge. It’s easy to see why this story was so popular – everyone loves a bargain, and plenty of people are curious if it’s worth the risk!

Here’s what we learned about living with a cheap Nissan Leaf.

5. New battery cooling fluid

Rounding off our top five biggest car news stories is some exciting new tech. Shell Lubricants has come up with a cooling fluid that could slash EV charging from half an hour to under 10 minutes for a 10-80% charge. One fluid can handle the whole drivetrain, cutting weight, simplifying systems, and making cars more efficient.

Made with Horiba-MIRA, the fluid keeps everything at the right temperature, making EVs safer, more durable, and giving them better range. Better heat management means faster charging, longer-lasting parts, and just generally smoother EV performance.

This new tech is rather fascinating and could be a gamechanger, so it’s no surprise that it’s gained traction on Carwow.

Learn more about the new battery cooling fluid here.

Car change? Carwow!

Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.

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