The UK government has launched Electric Car Grant (ECG) with £1,500 discount on first approved electric vehicle (EV) models.
The first batch of eligible models for this discount includes four Citroën vehicles: the Citroën ë-C3, ë-C4, ë-C5, and the ë-Berlingo.
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This incentive is part of the government’s £650m Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme, aimed at making EVs more affordable for consumers.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced that the discount would be directly applied at the point of sale, eliminating the need for buyers to navigate additional paperwork.
The introduction of the ECG scheme is timed with the expansion of the UK’s public charging network.
More than 17,300 public chargepoints have been added since July last year, marking a 27% increase.
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By GlobalDataWith over 82,000 public chargepoints now available and a chargepoint being installed every 30 minutes, the UK is developing the necessary infrastructure to support the transition to electric mobility.
Alexander said: “Once again we’re delivering our Plan for Change by standing firmly on the side of motorists and manufacturers, driving down costs for consumers, supporting jobs and putting money back in people’s pockets.”
The government’s strategy also addresses the concern of high upfront expenses associated with purchasing an EV.
By reducing the price gap between electric and traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, the scheme aims to make electric cars a more viable option for a broader range of consumers.
The potential savings on fuel and running costs, which can amount to up to £1,500 annually, further incentivise the switch to EVs.
In addition to the ECG, the government has announced a £63m investment to enhance charging infrastructure, focusing on facilitating home charging for individuals with no driveways.
This initiative aims to allow drivers to benefit from lower home electricity rates, decreasing the cost of operating an EV.
The government is working with the automotive industry to expedite the availability of the discounts.
New guidance has been published by the Department for Transport to streamline the application process for manufacturers.
Overall, the government is investing £4.5bn to accelerate the transition to EVs.
The recent enhancements to the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, alongside strategic trade deals with India, the European Union, and the US, are geared towards supporting the UK automotive sector and preserving jobs in the face of global economic challenges.
