The government’s plug-in car grants scheme is to be extended to vans, with buyers of electric commercials to be allowed to claim up to £8,000 off their new EV.
Announced this morning by Transport Minister Norman Baker, the new scheme for vans will allow owners to receive 20 per cent off the cost of a plug-in van, capped at top value of £8,000 while electric car buyers will continue to be able to claim 25 per cent of the value of their vehicles, capped at a maximum value of £5,000.
It is a year since the plug-in car grants first launched, with the Department for Transport recently revealing that 1052 eligible sold through the scheme in 2011, taking just £5.26 million of the £250 million allocated for the consumer incentive. With the majority of buyers thought to be businesses, the inclusion of vans into the scheme should help bolster takers for the grants.
Ministers have also re-confirmed there is funding for the schemes has been secured until 2015.
Transport Minister Norman Baker said: “Electric vehicles are the arrowhead for a low carbon revolution in motoring and as more models come to market we’ll begin to see sales gather pace.
“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 this is one of the most important factor influencing their decision on what to buy.”
Ministers have yet to confirm what electric vans will be eligible for the grants, but like the cars, they will be expected to meet performance criteria to ensure safety, range, and ultra-low tailpipe emissions. Both plug-in hybrid type vehicles and full battery electric vehicles will be able to qualify.
Consumers, both business and private will receive the discount at the point of purchase. There are currently 10 cars eligible for the Plug-In Car Grant – 5 of which came onto the market in 2011, with the other half expected to be available to purchase this year.
From today, van manufacturers will be able to apply for their vehicles to become part of the scheme. The first eligible vans are expected to be announced before the end of the month, with vehicles such as Renault’s Kangoo Z.E likely to appear on that early list.
