The government has announced a £37m funding package to encourage take-up of plug-in vehicles.

It will use the funding to provide 75% of the cost of installing new charge points for:

• people installing chargepoints where they live;

• local authorities installing rapid charge points to facilitate longer journeys, or providing on-street charging on request from residents who have or have ordered plug-in vehicles; and

• train operators installing new charge points at railway stations.

Funding for the package comes from the government’s £400m commitment to increase the uptake of ultra-low emission vehicles and is available until April 2015.

Transport secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “This investment underlines the government’s commitment to making sure that the UK is a world leader in the electric car industry.

“Plug-in vehicles can help the consumer by offering a good driving experience and low running costs. They can help the environment by cutting pollution. And most importantly of all, they can help the British economy by creating skilled manufacturing jobs in a market that is bound to get bigger.”

Business minister Michael Fallon said: “The government is supporting a range of ultra low emission vehicles. Today’s announcement will make the consumer environment for plug-in vehicles more attractive and, in turn, makes the UK a more compelling place to invest. There are huge business opportunities so we’re committed to ensuring the UK leads the way globally for low carbon vehicles.”

Topics