TO help accelerate the take up of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVS), there is a grant to help lower the cost of acquisition.
This is known as the plug-in car grant.
The grant is automatically deducted from the price of the car or van when it is purchased. The dealership completes the paperwork, so there are no application forms for to fill in.
However, to take account of rapidly developing technology, and the growing range of ULEVs on the market, the criteria for the plug-in car grant are being updated. From April 2015, eligible ULEVs must meet criteria in one of the following categories depending on emission levels and zero-emission-capable mileage:
- Category 1: CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and a zero emission range of at least 70 miles
- Category 2: CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and a zero emission range between 10 and 69 miles
- Category 3: CO2 emissions of 50-75g/km and a zero emission range of at least 20 miles.
As announced in April 2014, vehicles in all categories will continue to be eligible for the full grant of up to £5,000, until either 50,000 grants are issued or 2017, whichever is first.
The new categories have been updated to better reflect the range of vehicles on the market and make them accessible to the widest range of people says the Department of Transport.
Grant availability will continue to be promoted as part of the Go Ultra Low campaign, which is jointly funded by government and industry. The campaign aims to increase consumer and fleet uptake by highlighting the increasing variety and benefits of ULEVs.
