Skip to main content

Funding boost for ultra low emission vehicles

A major $US43 million (£35 million) package to boost the uptake of ultra-low emission cars and scooters has been unveiled by the UK government. The fresh funding commitment will see thousands more electric vehicle charge-points installed on streets and at workplaces across the UK, after the number of new ultra low emission vehicles registered rose by 250 per cent in just two years. The government is also buying two brand new Nissan LEAF electric cars for the Government Car Service, to add to the four
October 14, 2016 Read time: 2 mins
A major $US43 million (£35 million) package to boost the uptake of ultra-low emission cars and scooters has been unveiled by the UK government.

The fresh funding commitment will see thousands more electric vehicle charge-points installed on streets and at workplaces across the UK, after the number of new ultra low emission vehicles registered rose by 250 per cent in just two years.

The government is also buying two brand new Nissan LEAF electric cars for the Government Car Service, to add to the four that are already in use.

The announcement is part of the government’s plans to improve air quality, and it comes as Defra launch a new consultation on introducing clean air zones in Birmingham, Leeds, Nottingham, Derby and Southampton by 2020.

The funding includes the next steps of a US$24 million (£20 million) competition that will help councils roll out charge-points for ultra-low emission taxis and up to US$12 million (£10 million) funding for charge-points outside workplaces and homes where there is no off-street parking. It also includes the launch of an initial US$4.5 million (£3.75 million) scheme to encourage uptake of zero emission motorcycles and scooters and US$2.4 million (£2 million) awarded to public and private sector organisations to deploy hydrogen fuel cell vehicles.

The funding is being delivered as part of the government’s commitment to invest US$610 million (£600 million) in ultra-low emission vehicles by 2020.

In addition, an initial US$4.5 (£3.75 million) is being made available for motorcycle and scooter riders who want to want to go green, providing them with up to 20 per cent off the cost of an electric motorcycle or scooter. Buyers will be able to claim a maximum discount of US$1,800 (£1,500).

Related Content

  • 26% of UK respondents expect to buy an alternative fuelled car by 2024
    March 5, 2018
    26% of 2,000 UK car buyers are expecting to purchase an electric or hybrid vehicle within six years, 45% of which cited that electric is better for the environment, according to a study conducted by Motorway.co.uk. The inquiry showed that 11% are planning on selecting an electric car while 15% are prepared to choose a hybrid model. Additionally, 34% said they would transition to electric as they believe these vehicles are cheaper to run, 28% stated that the more advanced technology attracted them, while
  • Volkswagen emissions – ‘a missing global standard is the issue’ say UK organisations
    September 24, 2015
    The UK’s Transport Research Laboratory (TRL) and research organisation Frost and Sullivan have both commented on the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, which has resulted in the resignation of CEO Martin Winterkorn. The world's biggest carmaker by sales has admitted to US regulators that it programmed its cars to detect when they were being tested and altered the running of their diesel engines to conceal their true emissions. Winterkorn said, “I am shocked by the events of the past few days. Above
  • L-Charge EV project turns to crowdfunding
    December 15, 2021
    Crowdfunding amount would fund half of the project
  • City of Liverpool relies on thermal imaging to boost cycling
    April 22, 2016
    In an effort to promote a healthy lifestyle and encourage cycling, the city of Liverpool in the UK has installed Flir’s thermal imaging technology to give cyclists a head start at two busy intersections and make cycling safer. The City is keen to make cycling easier and more convenient in the city and plans to invest in the creation of a network of safe cycle routes, improvements in safety training and enforcement, and ensuring that cycling is included in council policies.