Government announces twin boost for greener commercial vehicles26 March 2015

The government has delivered a twin boost for greener commercial vehicles, with an announcement of an extension to the ultra-low emission plug-in van grant and a £4 million grant to increase the number of gas refuelling stations for heavy goods vehicles.

Baroness Kramer, transport minister, says the plug-in van grant is to be extended to meet demand. Launched in 2012, it gives 20% off the upfront cost of a vehicle, up to a maximum of £8,000.

"Ultra-low emission vans are cheaper to run and, with a variety of models now eligible for the grant, there has never been a better time for business to take advantage and start saving money," she says.

Since its launch, the plug-in van grant has supported the delivery of 1,250 vans, with running costs as low as 2p per mile.

The £4m fund for HGV gas-refuelling points will, says the minister, "make it even easier for British businesses to increase their uptake of cleaner gas-powered HGVs".

The Office for Low Emission Vehicles will work with Innovate UK and the freight sector to identify the areas where demand for infrastructure is highest. Interested parties will be invited to bid for a share of the funding, with the winners announced in 2016.

Author
Laura Cork

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