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‘LowCVP welcomes announcement of continued support for electric vehicle purchase’
28 Jul '10
PRESS RELEASE - 28 July 2010
The LowCVP welcomes the Government’s announcement of continued funding to support the initial purchase of electric vehicles.
The announcement, which provides £43m support in 2011, will help to give an initial kick-start to the industry. The funding, which could help to support the purchase of at least 8500 electric vehicles, represents an ambitious target for EV sales in 2011.
Electric vehicles are one of a portfolio of promising technologies that offer substantially reduced greenhouse gas emissions from cars and vans. Early market support for EVs is essential to address the initial high costs until battery prices fall and manufacturing economies of scale are realised.
The LowCVP Managing Director Greg Archer said: “The UK can become an early market for electric vehicles and provide support for UK automotive companies in developing opportunities and expertise in this key emerging area. This is an ideal opportunity to create the green, high-tech manufacturing jobs the UK needs.”
He added: “There is considerable uncertainty about how prices for EVs will change in the future. Given the imminent Comprehensive Spending Review it is not surprising that the Government has chosen to take a staged approach to the support it is able to offer for EV purchasing and recharging infrastructure.
“We hope that that following the planned 2012 review the Government will feel able to offer a longer term commitment that will provide added confidence to industry and encourage further inward investment.”
Notes to Editors
The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership was established in 2003 with a mandate to accelerate the shift to low carbon vehicles and fuels and create opportunities for UK business. (www.lowcvp.org.uk)
For further information:
Neil Wallis, Head of Communications, LowCVP
Phone: 020 3178 7863 Mobile: 07974 255720 email: neil.wallis@lowcvp.org.uk
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