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Plug-in car grants grow as Government updates rules

Published 13 February 2015

Plug-in car grants have exceed 25,000 for the first time since its launch in 2010. According to the Department for Transport, the traditionally quiet January sales market saw nearly 2000 claims, while sales in 2014 were some four times the level of the previous year.

The UK is now ahead of France and Germany in ULEV take-up, placing this country at the forefront of this green and cheap-to-run car technology.

To take account of rapidly developing technology, the Government has increased the criteria for the plug-in car grant. From April 2015, eligible ULEVs must meet criteria in one of the following categories depending on emission levels and zero-emission-capable mileage:

Category 1: CO₂ emissions of less than 50g/km and a zero emission range of at least 70 miles
Category 2: CO₂ emissions of less than 50g/km and a zero emission range between 10 and 69 miles
Category 3: CO₂ emissions of 50-75g/km and a zero emission range of at least 20 miles.

As announced in April 2014, vehicles in all categories will continue to be eligible for the full grant of up to £5000, until either 50,000 grants are issued or 2017, whichever is first.