The government is set to extend the Electric Car Grant for another year and invest a total of £1.5bn to speed up the UK’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
More than 35,000 drivers have already benefited from the scheme since it launched in July, with grants cutting upfront EV costs by up to £3,750.
In next week’s Budget, Labour is expected to confirm a further £1.3bn for the Electric Car Grant and £200m to accelerate the rollout of thousands of new charging points across the country.
Latest industry data shows EVs made up 26.5% of all new car sales in August, and 22.4% of sales in the first 10 months of the year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).
Under the UK’s zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, at least 28% of all new cars sold this year must be fully electric. That target will rise annually, reaching 80% by 2030, when sales of new petrol and diesel-only cars will be banned.
The government said the new funding will support local authorities in expanding on-street charging to make EV access easier for all drivers. It will also review the cost of public charging, which has risen in recent years.
“The government remains fully committed to the shift to electric vehicles. This transition is essential for meeting our net-zero goals and supporting economic growth across the UK,” it said.
