Plug-in grants for electric vehicles
The government has announced significant changes to the low-emission vehicles plug-in grant scheme. The changes became effective on 15 December 2021. The changes have been introduced in response to soaring demand for electric vehicles and to help target those buying the most affordable zero emission cars. More than 10% of cars sold in 2021 were electric.
Under the previous rules a grant of up to £2,500 was available for qualifying cars with an 'on the road' price cap of up to £35,000. From 15 December 2021, the government will provide grants of up to £1,500 for electric cars priced under £32,000. There are currently estimated to be 20 models on the market that would qualify. The support for wheelchair accessible vehicles is being prioritised, these will retain the £2,500 grant and a higher £35,000 price cap although there are a limited number of grants available.
There are also grants available for specified motorcycles, mopeds, small vans, large vans, taxis and trucks. Grant rates for the plug-in van grant are now £5,000 for large vans and £2,500 for small vans, with a limit of 1,000 per customer per year. Motorcycle and moped grants have also changed, with the government now providing £500 off the cost of a motorcycle, and £150 for mopeds, with a price cap on vehicles of £10,000.
The plug-in grant scheme was first launched in 2011 and is available across the UK with dealers using the grant towards the price of eligible new cars. The paperwork for the grant application is handled by the dealer selling the vehicle.
The scheme is open to qualifying purchases by private individuals and businesses.
Plug-in grants for electric vehicles
The low-emission vehicles plug-in grant can help you save up to £2,500 on the purchase price of new low-emission vehicles. The scheme was first launched in 2011 and is available across the UK with dealers using the grant towards the price of eligible new cars. The paperwork for the grant application is handled by the dealer. The scheme is open to qualifying purchases by private individuals and businesses.
HMRC publishes a list of qualifying cars and only cars listed are eligible for the grant. There are also grants available for specified motorcycles, mopeds, small vans, large vans, taxis and trucks.
The grant is available for cars with CO2 emissions lower than 50g/km and a 'zero-emission' range of at least 112km. To qualify for the grant, the cars must have an 'on the road' price cap of less than £35,000. This means that many popular environmentally friendly electric cars are not available under the scheme as their sale price exceeds the price cap.
There are separate criteria for other vehicle classes. This includes motorcycles, mopeds, small vans, large vans, taxis, small trucks and large trucks. For example, for motorcycles that have no CO2 emissions and can travel at least 50km between charges.
