Plug-in Van Grant

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Plug-in Van Grant

Coverage: Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Burnley, Chorley, Fylde, Greater Manchester, Hyndburn, Lancaster, Pendle, Pennine Lancashire, Preston, Ribble Valley, Rossendale, South Ribble, West Lancashire, Wyre,

Finance Type: Business Expansion, Capital Investment, Energy Efficiency, Environmental,

Since February 2012, motorists purchasing a qualifying ultra-low emission van can receive a grant of 20 per cent towards the cost of the vehicle, up to a maximum of £8,000.

The Government is adopting a ‘technology neutral’ approach to reducing emissions from transport. This means that any completed van (chassis and bodywork) which meets the criteria below will be eligible for the subsidy.

The Plug-in Van Grant has been designed to help make the whole-life costs of a qualifying van more comparable with petrol or diesel equivalents. Over time, as manufacturers begin to make these vans in greater volumes, the costs of production should begin to fall. This will help to make an ultra-low carbon van a realistic option for anyone looking to buy or lease a van.

Both private consumers and businesses can benefit from the Plug-in Van Grant when purchasing a qualifying ultra-low emission van and registering it in the UK.

The vans eligible for the Plug-in Car Grant are:

Make and model
Azure Dynamics Transit Connect Electric
Daimler Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell
Faam ECOMILE
Faam JOLLY 2000
Mia electric Mia U
Renault Kangoo
Smith Electric Smith Edison

As of 30 September 2012, 140 claims have been made through the Plug-in Van Grant scheme.

Van eligibility

To qualify, the vehicle must be within the N1 category, as defined under EU Directive (EC) 2007/46/EC, with a gross weight of 3.5 tonnes or less.

To be eligible for the grant applicants need to demonstrate that their completed vehicle (chassis and bodywork) has type approval, meets minimum EC regulatory standards for volume production and meets the Grant criteria.

Multi-stage builds

For the purposes of the Plug-In Van Grant any multi-stage built N1 vehicle will need to have been approved as a completed vehicle (e.g. comprising both chassis and bodywork): the Accepted evidence listed above must cover the vehicle in its finished condition. An approval for a vehicle that has not been completed will not be accepted. This is to ensure vehicles driven off the forecourt when bought by the public meet the Plug-In Van Grant criteria.

Manufacturers will need to consult the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) to obtain completed vehicle approval

To make an enquiry about applying for type approval, email enquiries@vca.gov.uk or call +44 (0)117 952 4164.

Funding: 20 per cent towards the cost of the vehicle, up to a maximum of £8,000.