Electric Car Discount Extended To Vans

Van drivers can now avail of a discount up to £8000 off the cost of an electric van, according to the transport minister on Tuesday.

Norman Baker and Business Minister Mark Prisk announced the move as an extension of the "Plug-In Car Grant", which offers 25% - up to £5000 – to motorists buying electric cars.

The ministers said the purpose of the grant was to enable the purchase of ultra-low carbon vehicles, which could otherwise have been unaffordable.

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.

“It is radical initiatives like these which will allow us to create a transport system that both cuts carbon and is an engine for economic growth.”

From today ultra-low carbon van manufacturers will be able to apply to be part of the Plug-In Van Grant.

To be eligible for the scheme, vans will have to meet performance criteria to ensure safety, range, and ultra-low tailpipe emissions. 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 – five of which came onto the market in 2011, with the other half expected to be available to purchase this year. During the first year of the scheme, over 1000 eligible vehicles were registered and, up to 31 December 2011, 892 applications were made for the Plug-In Car Grant.

(DW)