British businesses will be able to continue saving money and cutting their carbon footprint as the government announced that the ultra-low emission plug-in van grant will be extended. Transport Minister Baroness Kramer confirmed that the grant, which launched in 2012 and provides purchasers with a 20% discount off the upfront cost worth up to £8,000, would be extended to meet continued demand.
In addition to lower running costs, the scheme also allows businesses that purchase the vans to take advantage of a range of tax incentives, including zero vehicle excise duty and no congestion charges in London. Since 2012 the initiative has supported over 1,250 vans, with vehicle running costs potentially as low as 2 pence per mile.
Moreover, Kramer announced an additional £4 million to support the early deployment of publically accessible natural gas stations for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) across the UK. The investment would give businesses with gas trucks the flexibility to refuel on route, rather than having to specifically plan journeys between stations.
The government’s Office for Low Emission Vehicles will work with Innovate UK and the freight sector to identify areas where demand for infrastructure is highest. Natural gas retailers and other interested parties will be encouraged to bid for a share of the funding.
“This investment will make it even easier for British businesses to increase their uptake of cleaner gas powered HGVs. It will not just improve local air quality, but benefit those who develop and manufacture this technology and reinforces our commitment to the UK automotive industry,” said Baroness Kramer.
Source: UK Department for Transport
