by Holly Tribe
The government has announced the first nine cars to qualify for a £5,000 green car subsidy.
Dubbed the ‘electric car revolution’ nine low emission and electrically powered cars will have 25% of the price deducted up to a maximum of £5,000, from January 2011.
The Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Smart Fortwo Electric Drive and the Peugeot iOn are the first to benefit from the grant from the beginning of next year, and the Tata Vista EV and Nissan Leaf will follow in March.
The remaining four models to be phased in by early 2012 are: Citroen CZero; Toyota Prius Plug-in; Vauxhall Ampera and Chevrolet Volt.
Green Revolution
Transport Secretary Philip Hammond and Business Minister Mark Prisk announced the discount last week which will be known as the ‘Plug-In Car Grant’. A £20 million fund has also been set up for a network of electric car recharging points that will be located in car parks, streets and retail facilities in selected regions across the country.
Five regions have successfully applied for a share of the £20 million fund covering the East of England; Greater Manchester; the Midlands; Scotland and Northern Island.
It is hoped greater visibility of electric car services will raise public awareness of greener car ownership and encourage electric cars to become a part of everyday life. Transport Secretary, Philip Hammond, said: ‘A few years ago, ultra-low emission cars with mass-market appeal appeared just a pipe dream.
“Government action to support affordable vehicles and more local charging points means we are on the threshold of an exciting green revolution.”
The first electric towcar?
Currently, none of the nominated cars are recommended as a suitable towcar match for touring caravans, but the government has indicated the programme will help establish the UK as a market leader for ultra-low emission cars and open up business for hi-tech, green motor manufacturing.
Business Minister Mark Prisk said: “Today’s news that motorists will be able to choose from at least nine cars under the consumer incentive scheme and that we are expanding the infrastructure for charging electric vehicles will further reinforce the message that the UK is Europe’s leading producer of ultra low carbon vehicles.”
With technological advances in green motoring gathering apace, we ask could the first electrically powered towcar be just around the corner?
