The UK government scraps electric car grants

The Department for Transport previously offered grants of up to £1,500 towards the costs of purchasing a plug-in electric car. Whilst the grant helped drivers to make the switch from traditional engines, the government has scrapped it with the intent of encouraging other forms of electric vehicles.

The scheme is to be shut down with immediate effect, with The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) saying that the change "sends the wrong message” to drivers and discourages positive changes.

The United Kingdom currently has huge regional disparities in terms of charging outlets, with 102 public charging devices per 100,000 people in London compared to just 24 charging devices per 100,000 people in the Northwest.

The Department for Transport announced that money would be "refocussed" on overcoming the primary challenges to electric vehicles, such as public charging and assisting with the purchase of electric vans, taxis, and motorbikes.

If a car is sold within two working days of the announcement, but no application for the grant has been submitted by the dealerships, the sale will still be eligible for the grant. 

Are you still considering switching to electric?

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