New grant cuts electric van cost by 20%
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VAN BUYERS can now take advantage of government grants of 20% (up to £8,000 in total) off the cost of an electric van. The new incentive, the funding of which is secure until 2015, is an extension of the existing Plug-In Car Grant that offers up to £5,000 off the purchase price of a new electric car.
The move comes alongside the establishment of a national charge point register to make it easier for drivers to locate charging points and reduce the “range anxiety”, which has been an objection to buying electric vehicles. Manufacturers of ultra-low carbon vans will have to satisfy tight criteria to qualify for the grant.
This sets a CO2 emission limit of 75g/km, although both plug-in hybrid and full electric vans should qualify. Manufacturers are now invited to apply to be part of the scheme, with the irst grants expected to be issued later this year.
• The UK’s rust privately owned Direct Current (DC) rapid-charging station for electric vehicles opened last week in Retford, Nottinghamshire. The site claims to be able to recharge an electric vehicle battery in 30 minutes and is part of the Plugged-in Midlands network.