Business Secretary Peter Mandelson and Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon launched the government’s vision to promote ultra low carbon transport over the next five years. Geoff Hoon outlines the plans.Central to the government’s strategy for ultra low carbon transport over the next five years is this initiative: to help put electric cars into the reach of ordinary motorists.
We will provide help worth L2000-L5000 towards buying the first electric and plug in hybrid cars when they hit the showrooms – which we expect from 2011 onwards.
The government has recently committed to placing low carbon transport at the centre of its vision for the UK economy. Our announcement will promote infrastructure and support technology development. And encourage manufacture in the UK, whilst incentivising consumers.
This funding is included in a L250 million scheme to deliver a green motoring transformation, part of the wider government support to help consumers and businesses make the transition to low carbon.
Cutting road transport CO2 emissions is a key element to tackling climate change. Less than 0.1% of the UK’s 26 million cars are electric. So there is a huge untapped potential to reduce emissions.
The scale of incentives we’ve announced will mean that an electric car is a real option for motorists. As well as helping to make the UK a world leader in low carbon transport.
The strategy also includes plans to provide L20 million for charging points and related infrastructure. This will help develop a network of ‘electric car cities’ throughout the UK; and an expansion of an electric and ultra-low carbon car demonstration project on the UK’s roads.
This project will mean over 200 motorists throughout the country will have the opportunity to drive a cutting-edge car and feedback the information needed to make greener motoring an everyday reality.
Further information
Consumer incentives will be introduced in 2011 to coincide with the expected mass introduction of electric and plug in hybrid cars to the market. Consumers will be able to receive help from the government worth in the region of L2000-L5000 to allow for the maximum choice of which car they buy. Discussions are beginning with the automotive industry and financiers to determine how best to deliver this help.
To be eligible cars would need to meet modern safety standards and have a range and top speed sufficient to give mass market appeal.
Through the Climate Change Act the UK has become the first country in the world to adopt a legally binding emissions target.
Emissions from road vehicles account for 19% of the UK’s domestic CO2. This means transport will be able to play a major part to reduce carbon emissions by at least 26% by 2020 and 80% by 2050.
