Minister announces plug-in lorry grant

UK businesses can now benefit from grants up to £20,000 when switching their large trucks to electric vehicles.

Business and Energy Secretary Greg Clark announced the support on a three- day visit to Japan, where he is meeting Japanese automotive companies.

The Plug-In Van grant has been available for small commercial vehicles of up to 3.5 tonnes since 2012, but sales of new electric vans have remained limited.

Electric vans and trucks have significant air quality benefits, as they spend much of their time in towns and city centres.

The UK Government is now committing an additional £4million to the scheme so that all vans and trucks meeting the necessary require- ments are eligible as part of the drive to reduce carbon emissions from transport use.

Mr Clark said: “The electric car revolution is well under way with consumers and this funding will encourage more businesses to consider switching to cleaner vans a nd trucks.

“Our automotive sector is thriving, with the world’s most popular electric car already made in the UK, and we are forging ahead to deploy new engine technology to make low-carbon vehicles mainstream, and leading the way in driverless car technology.

“The government and industry continue to work together to support the UK’s world-class automotive industry to ensure we continue tobe the number one place in the world to develop and manufacture cars.”

“The electric car revolution is well under way”