The government has announced that its grant scheme for zero-emission vehicles has been updated to target less expensive models.

The existing plug-in grant scheme has supported nearly half a million vehicles over a decade.
From today the government will provide grants of up to £1,500 for electric cars priced under £32,000, with currently around 20 models on the market.

Support for wheelchair accessible vehicles is being prioritised, with these retaining the £2,500 grant and a higher £35,000 price cap.

Meanwhile, the government is also setting out that it will introduce new rules next year that will increase confidence in its EV charging infrastructure.

These rules will mandate a minimum payment method – such as contactless payment – for new 7.1 kW and above chargepoints, including rapids.

Motorists will soon be able to compare costs across networks which will be in a recognisable format similar to pence per litre for fuel and there will be new standards to ensure reliable charging for electric vehicle drivers.

“The market is charging ahead in the switch to electric vehicles,” said transport minister Trudy Harrison. “This, together with the increasing choice of new vehicles and growing demand from customers, means that we are refocusing our vehicle grants on the more affordable vehicles and reducing grant rates to allow more people to benefit, and enable taxpayers’ money to go further.”

Harrison: “We want as many people as possible to be able to make the switch to an electric vehicle, which is why we will also be introducing new rules to make it easier to find and pay at chargepoints. This will ensure drivers have confidence in our charging infrastructure, as we look to reduce our carbon emissions, create green jobs and level up right across the UK.”

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