Electric car sales rise

24 October 2014  

Sales of electric and other plug-in vehicles have increased rapidly between July and September 2014 according to the Department for Transport.

During this period, over 5,000 Plug-in Car Grants were awarded, double the number in the previous three-month period and almost a third of all grants since the scheme was launched in 2010. There are now over 17,000 grant-funded vehicles on the UK roads.

Transport Minister Baroness Kramer comments: “It is not surprising that people want these vehicles – they are a pleasure to drive and incredibly cheap to run, as well as beneficial to the environment. The government is breaking down barriers that may have put people off in the past.

“This growing confidence helps the UK strengthen its position as a global leader in developing green technology. Expanding this sector is also creating thousands of jobs and contributing to Britain’s thriving £11 billion automotive industry, and encouraging more investment in the UK – a key part of this government’s long-term economic plan.”

All new vehicles will have some kind of ULEV element by 2040. There has been a steady rise in the number of people taking up low emission vehicles, as more models become available and the nationwide network of charging points continues to expand. Driving costs are as low as 2p per mile.

The plug-in car grant is one of a range of Department for Transport measures in place to encourage uptake with a further £500 million to be invested by government in the industry between 2015 and 2020.