Motorists can now benefit from the 'Plug-In Car Grant' of up to £5,000 when buying any qualifying low carbon car with CO2 emissions less than 75g/km.
The list of eligible vehicles was announced in December and features nine cars, three of which are available to buy now, with the remaining six coming to market. Further additions to the list, including the Tesla Roadster, are still pending approval.
“The transition to ultra-low carbon vehicles is a great opportunity for the UK motor industry. The Plug-In Car Grant will support the delivery of practical, low carbon vehicles and we will see further progress of new and conventional technologies in the years ahead,” said Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive. “The incentive, coupled with the charging infrastructure programme, Plugged-In Places, is helping to develop a co-ordinated and comprehensive approach to creating vital consumer demand.”
The beginning of this incentive confirms government’s recognition of UK automotive’s global leading role in making low carbon an economic and environmental winner. Government will continue to receive applications from vehicle manufacturers for more cars to be eligible for the Plug-In Car Grant and another round of eligible vehicles will be announced later this year.
A total of eight locations will establish charging networks using Plugged-In Places funding. London, Milton Keynes, North East England, Midlands, Greater Manchester, East of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland will share £20m to further the development of the ultra-low carbon infrastructure, installing over 15,000 charging points in the coming years.
Vehicles eligible for the Plug-In Car Grant, with make & model and UK Delivery time:
Mitsubishi i-MiEV – January 2011
Smart Fortwo Electric Drive – January 2011
Peugeot iOn – January 2011
Nissan Leaf – March 2011
Tata Vista – March 2011
Citroen CZero – Early 2011
Vauxhall Ampera – Early 2012
Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid – Early 2012
Chevrolet Volt – Early 2012
Go to www.smmt.co.uk/publications for more information about Electric Vehicles, the Plug-In Car Grant and Plugged-In Places or to www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/sustainable/olev.
