The BVRLA is leading a campaign to secure clarity from the Government on the future of the Plug-in-Grant following Transport Secretary, Grant Shapps’ recent comment stating that the grant “will go eventually.”
The association is gathering support from businesses, MPs, transport groups, and environmental bodies and is inviting members to add their signature to the joint letter being sent to the Prime Minister this Friday (25 October).
PM Boris Johnson will be sent the letter in his capacity as the Chair of the newly formed Cabinet Committee on Climate Change . The letter will urge him to ensure that any phasing out of the Plug-in-Grant be gradual in order to allow the market and manufacturers to respond.
Business fleets buy over 50% of all new vehicles sold each year, including the majority of Battery Electric Vehicle (BEVs). This transition to electric vehicles is at an incredibly fragile stage, with BEVs responsible for just over 1% of new vehicle sales in 2019.
The 2018 changes to the Plug-In Car Grant for hybrid vehicles came at short notice, leading to a surge in orders for BEVs and lots of disappointed customers, many of whom chose a petrol or diesel car instead.
The BVRLA is keen to ensure this situation is not repeated when the grant for BEVs is eventually stopped.
