Plugging in to an electric sales boost

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.