It appears British motorists are gradually warming to emissions-free motoring, as the number of plug-in electric vehicles on our roads is steadily increasing.
A total of 5,000 government plug-in grants were awarded to ultra-low emissions vehicles (ULEVs) between July and September 2014, according to government figures. That’s more than a quarter of the 17,000 all-electric vehicles registered in the UK and double the number of grants issued in the preceding quarter.
The figures show the UK is catching up with the rest of Europe where electric car sales more than doubled in 2013. More than 50,000 were sold on the continent last year.
British Transport Minister Baroness Kramer said: “It is not surprising that people want these vehicles – they are a pleasure to drive and incredibly cheap to run, as well as beneficial to the environment. The government is breaking down barriers that may have put people off in the past.
“This growing confidence helps the UK strengthen its position as a global leader in developing green technology. Expanding this sector is also creating thousands of jobs and contributing to Britain’s thriving £11 billion automotive industry, and encouraging more investment in the UK – a key part of this government’s long-term economic plan.”
The government’s ULEV grant sees £5,000 knocked off the price of electric and hybrid cars and £8,000 off vans that emit less than 75g/km of CO2 emissions and can travel for limited distances solely on electric power. This is part of government measures that will see £500 million invested in the electric car industry by 2020.
For further information on ULEV grant and a full list of eligible cars, please visit the Office for Low Emission Vehicles website.
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