The government is set to make up to £5,000 available to British motorists to buy a car with low carbon emissions from January 2011 in a new scheme to promote the purchase of fuel efficient cars.
The government is set to make up to £5,000 available to British motorists to buy a car with low carbon emissions from January 2011 in a new scheme to promote the purchase of fuel efficient cars.
The Plug-in Car grant will be put on vehicles that pass special tests, including ultra-low tailpipe emissions and safety.
It is expected that more electric and hybrid cars will be produced over the next year in order to be compatible with the scheme.
The Department of Transport (DfT) also announced another green initiative – Plugged-in-Places – designed to make it easier for people to be able to charge their electric vehicles around the country.
A network of electric vehicle hubs – costing the government £30 million – is set to be implemented in areas such as car parks and major supermarkets, as well as other popular venues.
London, Milton Keynes and the north-east have already been named as debut locations where the DfT plans to build the charging ports over the next three years.
These locations were successful after bidding to become involved in the UK programme with June 2010 the date for another chance for regions to bid to become involved. Among the areas currently interested are Sheffield, Greater Manchester and the West Midlands.
Andrew Adonis, transport secretary, said creating transport with less carbon emissions is a reality rather than a dream.
He added: "By this time next year, cutting edge motorists will be on the roads with these next generation cars they've purchased because of our help. And thanks to the Plugged-in-Places scheme we will have in place the infrastructure to support this growing early market."
Mr Adonis noted the new initiatives as steps in the right direction for the UK in terms of reducing its carbon emissions and demonstrating to the world it can develop and manufacture ultra-low carbon vehicles.
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