Government sets
out vision for electric vehicle infrastructure Tenth car now
eligible for plug-in car grant The Government’s vision for
recharging infrastructure, to support the electric vehicles
revolution, has been announced today by Transport Secretary Philip
Hammond.
Today’s publication – Making the Connection: the Plug-In
Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy – identifies how recharging
infrastructure will develop in a way that is targeted, convenient
and safe.
It sets out the steps that Government, as part of its £400m
programme to support ultra-low emission vehicles, and industry
will take to support an infrastructure that encourages the
majority of recharging at home, at night, and after the peak in
electricity demand, supported by workplace charging for commuters
and fleets, and a targeted amount of public infrastructure.
The Transport Secretary also announced that the Renault Fluence
has become the tenth vehicle now eligible for the Plug-in Car
Grant - a generous consumer grant of up to £5,000.
Philip Hammond said;
“The ability to re-charge is a key part of the jigsaw in
supporting the growth of the electric vehicle market. It is
crucial therefore that we make the process as simple as possible.
“Public chargepoints are part of the answer but putting a
chargepoint on every corner is not the right approach. It is most
convenient for drivers and best for the energy system for the
majority of charging to happen at home.
“Electric cars mean getting out of the mentality of needing to
travel to a petrol station and into the habit of refuelling when a
vehicle is not being used.
“This Strategy will help maintain the UK as a global leader in
the design, production and use of electric and ultra-low emission
cars and at the forefront of efforts to decarbonise motoring.”
The strategy outlines support for plug-in vehicle infrastructure through;
Ensuring plug-in vehicles are an attractive choice for the
motorist– e.g. ensuring that Britain’s smart metering is
implemented so that cars can charge when it’s cheapest for the
consumer; providing comprehensive information through a National
Chargepoint Registry so when a motorist needs to use a public
chargepoint they know where to find one; ensuring systems are in
place so that all chargepoints can be used by all motorists; and
challenging industry to resolve, by the end of the year a range of
technical issues that will allow the market to grow in the UK.
Making it easier for private enterprise to provide recharging
infrastructure by removing regulatory barriers – e.g. establishing
a Permitted Development Right for chargepoints so they no longer
need planning permission; and Ofgem will consult this year on an
exemption that makes it clear that charge point owners and
operators can sell electricity via chargepoints at the market
rate;
Proposing the inclusion of policy on plug-in vehicle
infrastructure in the National Planning Policy Framework, due for
consultation next month, to encourage local authorities to
consider adopting policies to include plug-in vehicle recharging
infrastructure in new domestic, workplace and retail developments.
Business Minister Mark Prisk said:
“The UK wants to be a World-leader in ultra low carbon technology
and today’s strategy is the next step in our achievement of that aim.
“I hope today’s report will accelerate the growth of the
ultra low carbon vehicle market by giving clarity about the
Government’s plans.”
This strategy builds on the existing favourable tax regime for
private and business purchasers of ultra-low emission vehicles,
and over £400m worth of investment to promote this agenda,
including up to £5,000 consumer grants for plug-in cars; and £30m
to kick-start installation of recharging points in test-bed areas.
Notes to Editors
1. Making the Connection: the Plug-In Vehicle Infrastructure
Strategy can be found here:
http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/plug-in-vehicle-infrastructure-strategy
2. The Government has made provision of over £400m to promote the
uptake of ultra-low carbon vehicle technologies. This includes
approximately £80m supporting research and development activities;
£20m for the installation of infrastructure; and, subject to
review, provision of around £300m to support consumer incentives
for the life of the Parliament. We will continue to monitor the
most effective way to deliver this investment. The first review of
the Plug-In Car Grant will take place in 2012. 3. The Plug-in Car
Grant is a consumer grant of up to £5,000, or 25% of the value of
the car, which consumers can benefit from directly at the point of
purchase. The Renault ‘Fluence’ model will be available in the UK
from Autumn 2012. 4. Further details of the Plug-in Car Grant can
be found here:
http://dft.gov.uk/topics/sustainable/olev/plug-in-car-grant/ Press
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