Government commits to ultra-low carbon vans
10th February 2012
The Government grant that was previously available to car owners only has now been extended to vans. The grant will give buyers 20% off the price of an electric plug-in van, up to the value of £8,000.
“Electric vehicles are the arrowhead for a low-carbon revolution, and as more models come to market, we'll begin to see sales gather pace,” transport minister Norman Baker said.
“Car buyers have had a year to take advantage of our grant and now it's time for van buyers to get their chance to go electric. This is great news for businesses, given the lower running costs of these vehicles – fleet buyers tell us that it is one of the most important factors influencing their decision on what to buy.”
Paul Everitt, the chief executive of auto industry association the SMMT, said: “The Plug-In Grants for cars and vans send a strong signal to the global automotive industry about the UK's determination to be a leading market for ultra-low carbon vehicles. We will reap significant industrial and environmental benefits from establishing an early and flourishing ultra-low carbon vehicle market, attracting high value investment in R&D, innovation and automotive manufacturing.”