DfT names first eligible electric grant vans

The Department for Transport has released the list of the first seven vans judged to be eligible for the Plug-in Electric Van Grant, the launch of which was announced on 17 January (see News Story). And it’s no surprise that the main players are all there. They are the Azure Dynamics Ford Transit Connect Electric (see Brief Test), Mercedes-Benz Vito E-CELL (see Brief Test), Renault Kangoo Z.E. (see Launch Report) and Smith Electric Edison (see Interview). The septet is completed by two models from Italian company Famm — Ecosmile and Jolly 2000 which go on sale in March 2012 — and one from French firm Mia, the U; available in the UK from May 2012.

The grant is available for plug-in, battery-powered light commercials up to a gross vehicle of 3.5 tonnes and in essence offers a cashback payment of 20 per cent of the purchase price up to a maximum of £8,000. A similar scheme has been up and running for passenger cars for more than a year, and it was only upon review that vans were admitted to the club.

The way that some vans are used and driven make them ideally suited to the switch to electric as they often have a predictable route and distance to travel each day; they make frequent stops; and many of them return to an overnight base where they can be easily recharged.

Businesses that run electric vans can also benefit from reduced refuelling costs, are exempt from the van benefit charge, attract capital allowance concessions and also receive a 100 per cent discount for the congestion charge in London.

“Our new grant demonstrates that you can be a motorist and still be pro-environment,” said Transport Secretary Justine Greening. “Cars and vans are absolutely central to people’s lives – it’s how most of us get around and for many journeys they are, and will remain, the only practical and convenient travel choice. Nevertheless climate change is a global challenge we simply have to meet head on. It cannot be ignored or side-stepped.

Greening continued: “The new Plug-in Van Grant – offering up to £8,000 off one of these seven innovative vans – also makes business sense as it’s been estimated that a small electric van will typically cost £100 less in fuel for every thousand miles driven compared to a diesel equivalent.”

Commenting on the unveiling of the first seven eligible vans Paul Everitt, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, said: “The Plug-In Van Grant and today’s detail on the seven models eligible is excellent news for van drivers, operators, businesses and the industry. The savings on the initial purchase price, coupled with the tax advantages and very low running costs make a plug-in van an attractive proposition — particularly for those running local and back-to-base services.

“Home to a high level of low-carbon R&D and manufacturing activity, the UK is well placed to take full advantage of the ultra-low carbon vehicle sector. Incentives that support the development of a flourishing market will add to our competitive advantage.”