Tuesday, 21 February 2012

Van manufacturers will be required to apply to the government to qualify for the new EV grant on a model by model basis.

The Plug-In Van Grant, a 20 per cent price reduction worth up to a maximum of £8,000, is available from today but will only initially be available on seven vehicles, three of which are not yet on sale.

To qualify for the grant manufacturers are required to prove vehicles emit less than 75g/km CO₂, are capable of travelling at least 60 miles between charges (10 miles in electric mode for hybrid vans), can reach speeds of more than 50mph and meet European safety standards.

The only vans from mainstream manufacturers that qualify for the grant are the Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL and Renault Kangoo ZE. Azure Dynamics’ Ford Transit Connect Electric also qualifies, along with the Smith Electric Smith Edison.

The number of eligible vans will increase next month with the Famm Ecomile and Jolly 2000 and in May with Mia-electric’s Mia U.

Plug-In Van Grant eligible vehicles