The government has announced that the grant scheme for zero-emission vehicles has been updated to target less expensive models to allow the scheme’s funding to go further and to help more people make the switch to an electric vehicle.
The plug-in grant scheme, will now provide grants of up to £1,500 for electric cars priced under £32,000, with currently around 20 models on the market.
Support for wheelchair accessible vehicles is being prioritised, with these retaining the £2,500 grant and a higher £35,000 price cap.
Transport Minister Trudy Harrison commented: “The market is charging ahead in the switch to electric vehicles.
“This, together with the increasing choice of new vehicles and growing demand from customers, means that we are refocusing our vehicle grants on the more affordable vehicles and reducing grant rates to allow more people to benefit, and enable taxpayers’ money to go further.
“We want as many people as possible to be able to make the switch to an electric vehicle, which is why we will also be introducing new rules to make it easier to find and pay at chargepoints.
“This will ensure drivers have confidence in our charging infrastructure, as we look to reduce our carbon emissions, create green jobs and level up right across the UK.”
Government’s total investment in the electric vehicle transition remains unchanged.
Motorcycle and moped grants will also be changing, with the government now providing £500 off the cost of a motorcycle, and £150 for mopeds, with a price cap on vehicles of £10,000.
Almost 50% of mopeds sold this year were battery electric, with some models now at price parity with their internal combustion engine equivalent. These changes and the new price cap will target funding where it is really needed to support the transition to zero emission two-wheelers.
Meanwhile the government is also setting out that it will introduce new rules next year that will increase confidence in electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
These rules will mandate a minimum payment method – such as contactless payment – for new 7.1 kW and above chargepoints, including rapids.
Motorists will soon be able to compare costs across networks which will be in a recognisable format similar to pence per litre for fuel and there will be new standards to ensure reliable charging for electric vehicle drivers.
More information about the plug-in grant scheme is available on the UK Government website.
