ECC C1 - An electric car that is available now

Electric Plug-in car Grant
D Brailey

In the budget last year (April 2009) the government announced a series of intended green measures. In line with this the UK Department for Transport (DfT) have just confirmed their investment of £230 million into supporting the electric vehicle market. This funding will be distributed via a number of schemes across the country.

One such scheme will entitle buyers of new electric cars a grant of 25% off the car's initial price tag, capped at £5,000. The grant will be available to individuals and businesses alike from January 2011 until 2014, although this latter date is still subject to approval.

The electric vehicles we are used to seeing around the capital, such as the G-Wiz and Mega City Nice won't be eligible. The government wants to provide an incentive for the development of safe, usable, full sized cars with zero tailpipe emissions. Below is a list of qualifying requirements that a vehicle must achieve to be eligible for the Plug-In Car Grant.

Very few cars meet these requirements today but there are models nearing the end of development which should be ready for production within the first year of the grant scheme.

Comcar are putting together a comprehensive list of upcoming electric vehicles (EV), petrol hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) and will provide in-depth information on what you should be considering before you go electric.