The UK Government has extended its to help drivers, businesses, fleets, and taxi drivers make the switch to cleaner vehicles. 3s3v1h

Drivers, taxi drivers, and businesses will benefit from £120 million in government funding to make the transition to cleaner vans, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and taxis easier, faster, and more affordable.

According to government information, the extension means that businesses and van drivers can receive grants of up to £2,500 when purchasing small vans up to 2.5 tonnes, and up to £5,000 for larger vans up to 4.25 tonnes.

Additionally, bureaucratic procedures that prevent companies from switching to zero-emission vans will be reduced.

Plug-in Vans 654g30

The Minister for the Future of Roads, Lilian Greenwood, confirmed that the department is extending the plug-in van grant for another year to help van drivers and businesses transition to zero-emission vehicles. The plug-in van grant has helped sell over 80,000 electric and zero-emission vans since its launch, while the government continues to businesses across the country.

The department is also easing the transition to zero-emission vans (which can be heavier than their petrol and diesel counterparts despite being the same size) by removing the additional training requirement that currently applies only to zero-emission vans but not their petrol and diesel equivalents.

This will help businesses by eliminating training costs, reducing bureaucracy, and making it easier to hire drivers when operating electric vans.

This funding is part of over £2.3 billion allocated to help industry and consumers make a backed transition to electric vehicles (EVs). This is creating well-paid jobs, ing businesses across the country, and tapping into a multi-billion-pound industry to turn the UK into a clean energy powerhouse and deliver the government's Plan for Change.

Taxis 385219

The department is also ing taxi drivers in switching to electric for another year, offering £4,000 to purchase an iconic zero-emission black taxi, among other models, making journeys cleaner and more comfortable for engers.

The subsidy limit for wheelchair-accessible plug-in vehicles will also be increased from £35,000 to £50,000, giving consumers a wider choice of vehicle models and removing barriers for disabled engers, enabling them to travel more easily and comfortably.

Motorcycles 81q60

Today is also a positive day for motorcyclists, who will continue to receive a £500 government subsidy to buy an electric motorcycle for another year.

In addition to this financial , the government has strengthened incentives for purchasing zero-emission vehicles in the Autumn 2024 Budget, maintaining generous incentives for ZEVs in the Company Car Tax regime.

Transition to Electric Vehicles in the UK 2n726c

In the UK, according to government information, the transition to electric vehicles is progressing rapidly. With more than 382,000 electric cars sold in 2024 (a 20% increase compared to the previous year), there has never been a better time to switch to electric vehicles, as one in three used electric cars costs less than £20,000 and 21 new electric cars are priced below £30,000.

Owning an electric car is also becoming increasingly cheaper: drivers can save up to £750 per year if they charge the vehicle primarily at home, compared to petrol.

There are currently more than 74,000 public chargers in the UK, with almost 20,000 added last year. With 24/7 lines, less payments, and updated charging point locations, charging has never been easier.

With £200 million announced in the budget to continue driving the implementation of charging points and £6 billion in private investment underway, the UK's charging network will continue to see tens of thousands of chargers added in the coming years, ensuring EV owners can drive with the confidence that they will never be far from a plug.

Last year saw a record number of people opting for an electric vehicle, with the UK leading sales in Europe, growing by more than 20% compared to the previous year.

The government has been working closely with car manufacturers to determine how to them in transitioning to electric vehicles. Recently, a consultation closed seeking industry input on how to meet the manifesto commitment to restore the phase-out date of 2030 for new petrol and diesel-only cars.

The average range of a new electric car is now 236 miles (equivalent to around two weeks of driving for most people), while emitting only a third of the greenhouse gas emissions of a petrol car during its lifetime.