Drivers in no rush to electric vehicle loans
THE uptake of a scheme to urge drivers to buy electric vehicles has been criticised by the Scottish Conservatives.
Figures obtained by the party show there have been fewer than 500 applications made for a Transport Scotland-funded interestfree electric vehicle loan.
The scheme allows people to borrow up to £35,000 to cover the cost of a new pure electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
Data obtained under freedom of information legislation shows that between 2011/12 and 2017/18 there were 407 confirmed applications under the scheme – forecast to rise to 416 once figures for the latest financial year are finalised. The 201 applications expected in 2017/18 are up from 122 in the previous financial year, with the figure rising year on year since 2013/14.
In total the scheme is expected to have funded the purchase of 499 electric vehicles in the seven-year period.
The Scottish Government has pledged to phase out new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2032 and introduce low-emission zones in Scotland’s four largest cities by 2020.
The Scottish Conservatives said the SNP administration was ‘out of step’ with its own policy.
The party’s environment spokesman Donald Cameron said: ‘It is miles away from being able to declare Scotland diesel and petrol free by 2032, which will in turn render low-emission zone trials in Scotland’s main cities utterly worthless.
‘The SNP has been completely irresponsible when it comes to this policy.
‘Instead of working with the UK Government, the rest of Europe, and even the industry itself, it’s brought in its own fancy target just to be different.’
Mr Cameron added: ‘That may play well to the extreme green elements of the Yes movement, but it will infuriate ordinary drivers.’
Transport Scotland highlighted the growth of the scheme, from just seven applications in 2012/13.
A spokesman said the scheme was regularly oversubscribed and proposals were being considered to increase funding for the 2018-2019 period.
He added: ‘The 2032 target will not see the elimination of petrol and diesel vehicles in that year but is focused on phasing out the need for new petrol and diesel cars and vans.’