2040 Ban
Perhaps the most important piece of policy in the UK affecting EVs is within the UK plan for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide emissions (1); the 2040 ban of conventional car and van sales and for almost every car to be zero emissions by 2050. The continued exceedance of the EU nitrous oxide limits within the UK motivated this ban in the hopes that by removing petrol and diesel internal combustion engines, the nitrous oxide emissions would be significantly reduced. A clear ambition to improve air quality and stay within these limits has been set out within this ban with investments in plans to improve overall air quality and provide cleaner transport in place. This ban could provide motivation and incentive for individuals to buy an EV and therefore has a significant impact on the way electric vehicles will progress in the UK
Government Incentives
Currently in the UK there are several grants and incentives in place with regards to electric vehicles. Below is an outline of the available grants which EV owners can apply for. Although currently these grants greatly reduce the financial expenditure of a potential EV customer, it is unlikely these will continue as more customers buy an electric vehicle. However, there is currently no end date incorporated into these grants.
Plug-in Car Grant
With the plug-in car grant, car dealerships and munufacturers receive grants in order to reduce the price of a new electric or hybrid vehicle. The rates of grant vary depending on the zero emission range of the vehicle with more money available for lower emitting vehicles (2).
London Congestion Charge Exemption
Cars which meet the specified criteria are eligible for 100% discount of the London Congestion Charge. Some of the possible options which will qualify for exemption are:
- Fuel type is electric
- Emit 75g/km of carbon dioxide or less
- Meet Euro 5 Air Quality standards
However a £10 registration fee for exemption annually is required (3).
- Fuel type is electric
- Emit 75g/km of carbon dioxide or less
- Meet Euro 5 Air Quality standards
However a £10 registration fee for exemption annually is required (3).
Vehicle Tax Exemption
Electric Vehicles are currently exempt from paying vehicle tax (4).
Workplace Charging Scheme
This is a voucher based system which provides support towards the up-front cost of the purchase and installation of electric vehicle charging points. Can be used for up to 20 sockets per application, with a limit of £300 per socket. Application for the voucher can be made to OLEV following the installation of the point (5).
EV Home-charge Scheme
Provides a contribution of 75% of the cost of a charging point and its installation. Up to £500 including VAT per household/eligible vehicle (6).
REFERENCES
1.UK plans for tackling roadside nitrogen dioxide concentrations, An overview (2017), Department for Transport
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2. Low-emission vehicles eligible for a plug-in grant, Gov.uk
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3. Discounts & exemptions, Transport for London
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4.Vehicles exempt from vehicle tax, Gov.uk
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5.Workplace Charging Scheme guidance for applicants, installers and manufacturers, Gov.uk
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6.Grant Schemes for electric vehicle charging infrastructure, Gov.uk
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