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British government reveals initial electric vehicles entitled to £3,750 grant

United Kingdom's Administration Unveils Initial Electric Vehicles Approved for Incentives

Electric vehicles in the UK now qualify for a £3,750 government incentive
Electric vehicles in the UK now qualify for a £3,750 government incentive

British government reveals initial electric vehicles entitled to £3,750 grant

The UK government's Electric Car Grant (ECG) is playing a significant role in accelerating the transition to a zero-emission transport network. With a total budget of £650 million over three years, the ECG aims to make electric vehicles (EVs) more affordable for consumers.

As of now, over 82,000 public charge points are available across the UK, providing convenience for EV owners. The ECG is a two-tiered system, offering discounts at the point of sale. Eligible new EV models cost up to €37,000 and have a minimum battery range of 100 miles, with zero tailpipe emissions.

The first EVs currently approved for Band 1, offering the highest level of grant (£3,750), are the Ford Puma Gen-E and Ford E-Tourneo Courier. These vehicles meet strict sustainability criteria, including the battery. Car manufacturers can apply for their models to be eligible for the ECG. More vehicles are expected to be added to the list of eligible vehicles in the coming weeks.

Band 2 of the ECG (£1,500) is for a wider range of vehicles that meet high sustainability standards. Currently, 26 models from automakers such as Citroën, Cupra, DS, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Vauxhall, and Volkswagen are approved for Band 2.

The UK government is also investing £25 million to improve at-home charging, particularly for households without private driveways. This investment is part of the UK's broader 'Plan for Change' to help households save money while accelerating the transition to a zero-emission transport network.

In June 2023, the average new battery electric vehicle (BEV) in the UK cost £49,700 (€57,500), while the average new petrol car cost £34,225 (€39,600). The UK government's Department for Transport states that the ECG will lower the prices of BEVs to closely match those of petrol and diesel cars.

The UK plans to ban the sale of new petrol or diesel cars by 2030, making the ECG a crucial step towards achieving this goal. UK Transport Minister Heidi Alexander states that the ECG will help the automotive sector seize one of the biggest opportunities of the 21st century.

As the UK continues to invest in and promote electric vehicles, the number of EVs on the road is growing. There are now 1.3 million EVs already on the road in the UK, a testament to the growing popularity of zero-emission transport. The ECG is a key initiative in the UK's efforts to combat climate change and create a more sustainable future for transportation.

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