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Taking charge

News Release issued by the COI News Distribution Service on 30 June 2011

Government sets out vision for electric vehicle infrastructure Tenth car now eligible for plug-in car grant The Government’s vision for recharging infrastructure, to support the electric vehicles revolution, has been announced today by Transport Secretary Philip Hammond.

Today’s publication – Making the Connection: the Plug-In Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy – identifies how recharging infrastructure will develop in a way that is targeted, convenient and safe.

It sets out the steps that Government, as part of its £400m programme to support ultra-low emission vehicles, and industry will take to support an infrastructure that encourages the majority of recharging at home, at night, and after the peak in electricity demand, supported by workplace charging for commuters and fleets, and a targeted amount of public infrastructure.

The Transport Secretary also announced that the Renault Fluence has become the tenth vehicle now eligible for the Plug-in Car Grant - a generous consumer grant of up to £5,000.

Philip Hammond said;

“The ability to re-charge is a key part of the jigsaw in supporting the growth of the electric vehicle market. It is crucial therefore that we make the process as simple as possible.

“Public chargepoints are part of the answer but putting a chargepoint on every corner is not the right approach. It is most convenient for drivers and best for the energy system for the majority of charging to happen at home.

“Electric cars mean getting out of the mentality of needing to travel to a petrol station and into the habit of refuelling when a vehicle is not being used.

“This Strategy will help maintain the UK as a global leader in the design, production and use of electric and ultra-low emission cars and at the forefront of efforts to decarbonise motoring.”

The strategy outlines support for plug-in vehicle infrastructure through;

Ensuring plug-in vehicles are an attractive choice for the motorist– e.g. ensuring that Britain’s smart metering is implemented so that cars can charge when it’s cheapest for the consumer; providing comprehensive information through a National Chargepoint Registry so when a motorist needs to use a public chargepoint they know where to find one; ensuring systems are in place so that all chargepoints can be used by all motorists; and challenging industry to resolve, by the end of the year a range of technical issues that will allow the market to grow in the UK.

Making it easier for private enterprise to provide recharging infrastructure by removing regulatory barriers – e.g. establishing a Permitted Development Right for chargepoints so they no longer need planning permission; and Ofgem will consult this year on an exemption that makes it clear that charge point owners and operators can sell electricity via chargepoints at the market rate;

Proposing the inclusion of policy on plug-in vehicle infrastructure in the National Planning Policy Framework, due for consultation next month, to encourage local authorities to consider adopting policies to include plug-in vehicle recharging infrastructure in new domestic, workplace and retail developments.

Business Minister Mark Prisk said:

“The UK wants to be a World-leader in ultra low carbon technology and today’s strategy is the next step in our achievement of that aim.

“I hope today’s report will accelerate the growth of the ultra low carbon vehicle market by giving clarity about the Government’s plans.”

This strategy builds on the existing favourable tax regime for private and business purchasers of ultra-low emission vehicles, and over £400m worth of investment to promote this agenda, including up to £5,000 consumer grants for plug-in cars; and £30m to kick-start installation of recharging points in test-bed areas.

Notes to Editors

1. Making the Connection: the Plug-In Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy can be found here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/plug-in-vehicle-infrastructure-strategy 2. The Government has made provision of over £400m to promote the uptake of ultra-low carbon vehicle technologies. This includes approximately £80m supporting research and development activities; £20m for the installation of infrastructure; and, subject to review, provision of around £300m to support consumer incentives for the life of the Parliament. We will continue to monitor the most effective way to deliver this investment. The first review of the Plug-In Car Grant will take place in 2012. 3. The Plug-in Car Grant is a consumer grant of up to £5,000, or 25% of the value of the car, which consumers can benefit from directly at the point of purchase. The Renault ‘Fluence’ model will be available in the UK from Autumn 2012. 4. Further details of the Plug-in Car Grant can be found here: http://dft.gov.uk/topics/sustainable/olev/plug-in-car-grant/ Press Enquiries: 020 7944 3066Out of Hours: 020 7944 4292Public Enquiries: 0300 330 3000Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.ukwww.twitter.com/transportgovuk | www.youtube.com/transportgovuk | www.flickr.com/transportgovuk

Contacts:

DfT Press Office - Local Transport
Phone: DfT Press Office 020 7944 3066
nds.dft@coi.gsi.gov.uk