Battery vehicles get £5k boost, too

The Government has revealed plans to give a grant of up to £5,000 to drivers who buy a battery-powered motor.

The scheme, not due to come into effect until 2011, does not cover any existing production cars, however, and excludes the G-Wiz, which is classed as a quadricycle. Only electric and plug-in hybrid models on sale in 2011 are set to benefit – such as the Smart ForTwo ed (right), due for launch that year.

The grants, announced by Transport Secretary Geoff Hoon and Business Secretary Peter Mandelson ahead of the Budget last week, aim to boost sales of costly electric vehicles.

A Department for Transport spokeswoman said: “We will use a sliding scale, so pricey cars qualify for bursaries close to £5,000. Budget models get smaller grants.” This would be on top of any proposed scrappage cash. “The schemes are unrelated,” she added.

The plans follow January’s £250million Government pledge to help consumers and businesses switch to a low-carbon lifestyle.

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