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Plugging in to an electric sales boost
Reporter: Andrew Rudkin
Date online: 19 January 2012
Firm hoping grant will spark new orders
AN Oldham company is aiming to put a spark in its electric van sales — thanks to a new Government grant.
Buyers can now receive up to 20 per cent — up to £8,000 — off the cost of an electric-powered van.
It is an extension of the plug-In car grant which offers 25 per cent — up to £5,000 — to motorists buying a new electric car.
Westwood-based firm ePower Trucks, which specialises in the sale, repair and service of commercial electric vehicles, is applying to the Department for Transport for all its relevant fleet to receive the subsidy.
Jerry Hanss, ePower Trucks’ managing director, said: “The Government is backing electric vehicles as the future of road transport. They were already quiet, clean and energy efficient, now they will deliver significant cost savings to businesses as well.”
As reported in yesterday’s Chronicle, the debate rumbles on whether the uptake of electric vehicles will increase in the wake of low sales figures nationally.
Transport Minister Norman Baker believes believes the new subsidy is “great news” for businesses.
He said: “It is radical initiatives like these which will allow us to create a transport system that both cuts carbon and is an engine for economic growth.”
Oldham is set to become a pioneering centre for electric vehicles with the first charging hub and showroom to be located in Hollinwood — set to be complete by this summer.
Comments
As well as knocking £5k off plug-in cars,electric vans now qualify for a 20% subsidy:up to £8,000.If VAT registered, a further 20% VAT from the price i.e.Renault will sell you an all-electric Kangoo ZE,which will do 106 miles on one charge, has an 81mph top speed and can be fast-charged in half-an-hour.List price £21,038- after subsidy and VAT rebate £14,133 AND won’t have to pay any road tax or congestion charge & they will get free parking & charging in some cities or £1.25 elec per 100 miles.
Have Your Say
Ford transit costs £12K new running costs are low and it can drive for thousands of miles provided it's got the fuel, huge reserves of power to lug a load or tow something.
Electric vehicle £48K (mius government subsidy) four times the price of the equivalent diesel very limited range and long charge time, little power for load lugging, and massive expense when the batteries need replacing. This technology is not yet mature enough to compete with diesel.
By Flake @ 20/01/2012 10:04:56