Understanding the Plug-in Grant: A Government Initiative for Low Emission Vehicles
Update: As of the 14th of June 2022, the plug-in grant for cars has been axed! Click HERE to find out more.
The drive towards a greener, more sustainable future is accelerating, and a crucial element of this transformation is the transition to low-emission vehicles. Recognising the need to incentivise this shift, the UK government has introduces the Low-Emission Vehicle Plug-in Grant. This initiative is designed to make low-emission vehicles more accessible and appealing to consumers by reducing their purchase price. Find out more about this grant and how it can benefit you as a potential buyer.
What is the Low-Emission Vehicle Plug-in Grant?
The Low-Emission Vehicle Plug-in Grant is a subsidy offered by the UK government to incentivise the purchase of low-emission and zero emission vehicles. It’s primary objective is to encourage individuals to choose environmentally friendly vehicles, thus reducing overall carbon emissions from the transportation sector.
Types of Vehicles covered
Cars
Update: As of the 14th of June 2022, the plug-in grant for cars has been axed! Click HERE to find out more.
To qualify for the grant cars must meet a specific criteria, including having CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and the ability to travel a minimum distance without any emissions. A variety of electric and plug-in cars fall within this category, making them eligible for the grant.
Motorcycles
Motorcycles that produce zero CO2 emissions and can travel a minimum distance of 50km (31 miles) on a single charge are eligible for the grant. The motorcycle must also have a recommended retail price (RRP) of less than £10,000, including VAT and delivery fees. This includes a range of electric motorcycles, contributing to a cleaner and quieter mode of transportation.
The maximum discount available on some motorcycles is £500.
Mopeds
Mopeds with no CO2 emissions and the ability to cover a minimum of 30km (19 miles) between charger are covered by the grant. Like with Motorcycles, the RRP must be less than £10,000, including VAT and delivery fees. This includes electric mopeds, aligning with the governments push for sustainable transport options.
The maximum discount available on some mopeds is £150.
Vans
Vans are split into small and large vans, with the maximum discount for small vans being £2,500 and the maximum discount for large vans being £5,000. To be eligible for the grant both small and large vans must have CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and be able to travel at least 96km (60 miles without any emissions. To classify as a small van it must be less that 2,500 kg gross vehicle weight and for a large van be between 2,500kg and 4,250kg gross vehicle weight.
Trucks
Like with vans, trucks are split into small trucks and large trucks. Some trucks can be sold at a 20% discount.
Small Truck
These vehicles are sometimes called N2 vehicles. To be eligible for the grant the vehicle must:
- Be between 4,250 kg and 12,000kg gross weight
- Have CO2 emissions of at least 50% less than the equivalent conventional Euro VI vehicle that can carry the same capacity
- Be able to travel at least 96km (60 miles) without any emissions
The maximum discount for some small trucks is £16,000.
Large Trucks
These vehicles are sometimes called N3 vehicles. To be eligible for the grant the vehicle must:
- Be heavier than 12,000kg
- Have CO2 emissions of at least 50% less than the equivalent conventional Euro VI vehicle that can carry the same capacity
- Be able to travel at least 96km (60 miles) without any emissions.
The maximum discount for some large trucks is £25,000.
Taxis
Specifically, purpose-built taxis that have CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and be able to travel at least 112km (70 miles) without any emissions. The maximum discount for taxis is £7,500.
If you are considering purchasing a low-emission vehicle, make sure to explore the possibilities offered by this grant and contribute to a greener tomorrow.
For more details and updates on the Low-Emission Vehicle Plug-in Grant, visit gov.uk