Plug-in Grants now Also Available on Vans

Jan 20 2012

The government has decided to extend its plug-in grant programme to vans as well.  This means buyers of electric commercial vehicles will, from now on, get a discount of up to £8,000 when they sign up for an auto finance deal – or on a cash deal for that matter.

Transport Minister Norman Baker made this announcement on the 17th January.  According to the new scheme, buyers of electric vans will receive a discount of 20% off the purchase price of the vehicle up to a maximum of £8,000.  Electric car buyers will still receive the same 25% discount with a maximum of £5,000.

The plug-in car grants have now been available for a year.  The Department for Transport recently revealed that only 1,052 motorists made use of these grants during 2011, which means that only £5.25 million of the available £250 million was taken up.  Since the majority of EV buyers are most likely businesses, the extension of the grant to commercial vehicles will, in all likelihood, see an increase in this figure during 2012.

Norman Baker, the Transport Minister 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.”

The government must still confirm what electric vehicles will qualify for the grant.  They will have to meet certain criteria in terms of range, safety and emissions.
 

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