Hi johebr,
I’ve been fortunate enough to get a grant. As far as I remember, if you are on a low income benefits, like Universal Credit and low savings, start the process by calling them before choosing car, as clearly grants are awarded on need rather than what you wish for.
I think it’s complicated if you try to ‘add’ money on top for something better/you want. At the end of the day, it’s a grant. I got a WAV with adaptions, and the new car bonus came to me after delivery.
I did have to talk to several people about my application, as staff changed, and added complication, my WAV wasn’t ordered in time for the 6 month grant award, so I had to have that exteneded. I had several low points due to hiccups in the process, so be prepared it may take more time than simply paying AP yourself.
The overall process took almost 18 months for me to get to delivery, so I was glad I hadn’t got rid of my old private car, and maybe just difficult for WAVs rather than cars.
Good luck!