The UK Department for Transport has announced a £35 million package to boost the uptake of “ultra-low emission vehicles” (defined as vehicles that produce less than 75 grams of CO₂ per kilometer, including EVs, PHEVs and fuel cell vehicles).

The latest round of funding is part of £600 million that the government has committed to invest by 2020. It includes:

• a £20-million competition that will encourage local councils to roll out chargepoints for ultra-low emission taxis;
• up to £10 million for chargepoints outside workplaces and homes that do not have private parking (a situation faced by many UK residents);
• a £3.75 million scheme to encourage uptake of zero-emission motorcycles and scooters; and
• £2 million in grants to public and private sector organizations to deploy fuel cell vehicles.

The government also plans to buy two LEAFs (built at the Nissan plant in Sunderland) for the Government Car Service, to add to four already in the fleet. The Go Ultra Low public sector fleet scheme, launched in 2014, has already delivered over 280 EVs to councils, emergency services and government departments.

“No matter what mode of transport you need – a scooter to get to work, a car or a van to run your business – we are here to help you do it with zero emissions,” said Transport Minister John Hayes. “We are committing £35 million to help install new chargepoints and offer new grants as we aim for nearly all cars and vans on our roads to be zero emission by 2050.”

Source: UK Department for Transport
Image via Nicolas Raymond