The fleet sector must act now to safeguard the Plug-in Car and Van Grants, the BVRLA has warned.
The association is urging stakeholders from across the industry to write to their local MP and ask for their support in securing long-term Government support for the vital grants, which help bridge the price gap between electric vehicles and their petrol or diesel counterparts. It has set up a campaign page on its website to speed up the process.
“Our members are already buying tens of thousands of electric vehicles each year and are helping businesses and individuals across the country to make the leap to zero emission motoring,†said BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney.
“By setting these new decarbonisation targets, the Government is in danger of writing a cheque that the fleet sector cannot cash,†said BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney.
“Businesses are being asked to invest billions of pounds in new electric vehicles and infrastructure over a short timescale. Tax incentives are vital, but so are the Plug-in Grants. They need to be maintained in some form until at least 2025 if we are to deliver the transition that is required.â€
The BVRLA used its recent 2020 Budget submission to make the case for the Plug-in Car Grant, highlighting that:
The grant reduces the cost of a typical leased EV by around 25% or £100 per month
The cost of funding the grant is partially offset by the increased VAT returns obtained from more expensive EVs
The grant plays a vital role in making the UK a more attractive market for manufacturers to sell EVs in
Keaney continued: “BVRLA members have already put their customers into 90,000 plug-in vehicles. They and their colleagues across the fleet sector have already demonstrated their electric vehicle commitment and credentials. Pulling the Plug in Grant would destroy this momentum.â€
*Article Source http://www.bvrla.co.uk
