Plug-in car grant extended to encourage more electric motoring

Motorists will be able to take £5,000 off the price of a new electric car until at least February 2016, the Government announced today.

The current Plug-in Car Grant scheme is available for all categories of vehicle, and the new extension is poised to see a further boost for the rapidly-growing plug in market.

All plug-in cars with CO2 emissions of 75g/km or less will remain eligible for a grant, and given it's ambition to make the UK a world leader in ultra low emission technology, the Government recently announced that a minimum of £200 million has been made available to continue the Plug-in Car Grant and this latest news will add extra incentive to private buyers and fleets who were looking to 'go electric' in 2015 and 2016.

Popular demand for ultra-low emission vehicles meant that the 50,000 threshold, originally stated by the Government that once reached would see grant levels reviewed, will be reached before the end of the year.

Transport Minister, Andrew Jones MP, said: "I'm pleased to announce today that the government is maintaining the current levels of grant, even as we move past the milestone of 50,000 vehicles.

"The UK is now the fastest growing market for electric vehicles in Europe. We will continue to invest to help make this technology affordable to everyone and to secure the UK's position as a global leader."

There is now an unprecedented variety of ULEVs available to UK car buyers, from city run-arounds and family hatchbacks to 4x4s and sports cars, with driving costs from as little as 2p a mile, according to Go Ultra Low.

"Continuing the Plug-in Car Grant at current levels is positive news for everyone," said Hetal Shah, Head of Go Ultra Low. "It encourages zero-emission motoring and secures more funding for a greater number of ULEV buyers.

"This announcement demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting the growth of the ULEV market. If we are to meet ambitious targets for ULEV uptake, continued investment is paramount.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) are also approving the news of the scheme's development.

"With British buyers taking to ultra-low emission vehicles faster than anyone else in Europe, the extension of the Plug-in Car Grant is good news," added Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive.

"The market for these vehicles remains small, however, so it is essential that government continues to provide effective incentives for their uptake - including the Plug-in Car Grant and other measures."