Business Green report that more than 1,700 electric cars have now been registered under a government grant scheme since it began in January 2011, new figures have revealed.
Department of Transport (DfT) statistics published today show that from the beginning of April to the end of June, 473 new electric cars were purchased as part of the plug-in grant scheme, which offers buyers £5,000 off the list price of 10 electric car models.
This is more than double the 215 cars registered over the same period last year and also represents a significant increase on the 371 purchased during the first quarter of 2012. It takes the number of claims made to the end of June up to a total of 1,706 – more than double the 680 registered by the end of 2011. However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has also published figures stating that by the end of June 809 eligible cars had been purchased, suggesting more have been bought than registered for the scheme. SMMT says 989 eleigible cars have been purchased in 2012 up to 31st August, which along with the 1,052 purchased over 2011 takes the overall total to 2,041.
Meanwhile, DfT said 99 claims have been made through the Plug-in Van Grant scheme, which was introduced in February this year offering drivers £8,000 off the price of new electric vans.
The DfT figures also revealed average CO2 emissions from new cars fell from 134.7 g/km in the first quarter of 2012 to 133.2 g/km in the second quarter.
Meanwhile, DfT said 99 claims have been made through the Plug-in Van Grant scheme, which was introduced in February this year offering drivers £8,000 off the price of new electric vans.
The DfT figures also revealed average CO2 emissions from new cars fell from 134.7 g/km in the first quarter of 2012 to 133.2 g/km in the second quarter.
