Fleets look set to benefit from the Government’s decision to carry on subsiding the electric car market, this time with an investment of \u00a3500 million between 2015 and 2020.<\/p>\n
Under the plans, taxpayers will continue to fund ultra low-emission vehicles to the tune of \u00a35000 each, up to a total of \u00a3200m (see ‘Where some of the funding will go’, below). Around \u00a332 million of the fund will be earmarked to boost the UK’s charging infrastructure, including plans to install rapid charge-points across the ‘M’ and ‘A’ road network, by 2020.<\/p>\n
The Government defines a rapid charge-point as one that enables a car to be charged in as little as twenty minutes.<\/p>\n
Speaking at the announcement of the new round of funding for the Office for Low Emission Vehicles, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg said: “Owning an electric car is no longer a dream or an inconvenience.<\/p>\n
“Manufacturers are turning to this new technology to help motorists make their everyday journeys green and clean. This major investment is there to make driving an electric car affordable, convenient, and free from anxiety about the battery running out. But it’s also about creating a culture change in our towns and cities so that driving a greener vehicle is a no-brainer for most drivers.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
“Drivers pay no road tax or congestion charge on ULEVs. And for the longer journeys there will be a rapid charge-point at every motorway service station by the end of 2014, and a network of 500 rapid chargers across the country by March 2015 – the best network in Europe.”<\/p>\n
Commenting on the announcement, Mike Hawes, the SMMT’s chief executive, said: “The move toward a low-carbon vehicle future must be built around the three pillars of consumer incentives, strategically focused infrastructure and increased leverage for R&D support.<\/p>\n
“We therefore welcome this announcement, which reflects that balanced approach but, significantly, seeks to incentivise technical developments in all segments of road transport, not just passenger cars.<\/p>\n
“UK manufacturers are already committing significant investment to the UK’s ULEV ambitions through research, development and production of zero and low emission vehicles and technologies.<\/p>\n
“This funding package will help secure additional private sector investment, but more needs to be done to support academic research in this area – as well as developing the skills that will be essential if the UK is to become a global leader in ultra\u00a0low-emission technologies.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
Where some of the funding will go<\/strong><\/p>\n
.\u00a0 \u00a3200m for the continuation of the Plug-in Car Grant, securing the Government contribution of up to \u00a35000 towards the cost of eligible new ultra low-emission vehicles (ULEVs)<\/p>\n
.\u00a0 \u00a3100m for R&D projects<\/p>\n
.\u00a0 \u00a335m for a new city scheme<\/p>\n
.\u00a0 \u00a332m on infrastructure (including for a rapid charging network)<\/p>\n
.\u00a0 \u00a330m for buses<\/p>\n
.\u00a0 \u00a330m to assist the purchase of other vehicles<\/p>\n
.\u00a0 \u00a320m for taxi infrastructure and incentives<\/p>\n
.\u00a0 \u00a34m for gas refuelling network for heavy commercial vehicles<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"