The United Kingdom wants to phase out internal combustion engines, so it’s a bit perplexing that the government is making it more expensive to go electric.

In a surprise move, the Department for Transport announced the grant scheme for electric vehicles has been updated to “target less expensive models and reflect a greater range of affordable vehicles.”

While that doesn’t sound too bad, the government cut the grant by £500 ($696 / €584) to £2,500 ($3,482 / €2,921). Furthermore, the grant is now limited to EVs that cost less than £35,000 ($48,746 / €40,916).

Also Read: UK To Ban Sales Of New Petrol And Diesel Cars In 2030

Thanks to the price cap, a number of popular electric vehicles are no longer eligible for government incentives. This includes the Audi E-Tron, Ford Mustang Mach-E and Tesla Model 3 – just to name a few.

This has upset a number of people, but the government contends the change will allow funding to last longer and be available to more people. They also noted the price cap means taxpayers will no longer have to subsidize wealthy car buyers who can afford to go electric without government incentives.

The Department for Transport went on to say “the number of electric car models priced under £35,000 ($48,746 / €40,916) has increased by almost 50% since 2019 and more than half the models currently on the market will still be eligible for the grant, including spacious family cars, such as the Hyundai Kona 39kWh and the MG ZS EV.”

The changes have been slammed by automakers and industry groups, including Ford of Britain chairman Graham Hoare who described the moves as “disappointing and … not conducive to supporting the zero emissions future we all desire.”

His sentiments were echoed by Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), who said the decision is the “wrong move at the wrong time.” He added, “This sends the wrong message to the consumer, especially private customers, and to an industry challenged to meet the Government’s ambition to be a world leader in the transition to zero emission mobility.”