Incentives For Electric Cars

Jul 22nd, 2008
Sky News
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/Politics/Prime-Minister-Gordon-Brown-Tells-Motor-Industry-He-Wants-More-Electric-And-Low-Emission-Cars/Article/200807415049064

The Prime Minister told car industry leaders that there is a 'once in a generation opportunity' for everyone to consider green alternatives and promised the Government would take the lead in creating incentives for electric and low emission vehicles.

Addressing a meeting at the British International Motorshow Mr Brown said the rising cost of oil meant road transport had reached 'an historic point'.

'This has opened up a huge opportunity for technological innovation. It is a once in a generation opportunity,' he said.

He added that Britain was working on initiatives with a number of other countries including Germany and France to introduce more low emission cars.

The Government is working with the National Grid and energy companies at ways of introducing more electric vehicles, he said, and it will spend £90mn over the next five years as part of the drive to reduce emissions from vehicles.

Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Paul Everitt said there was 'a great deal of enthusiasm' for what Mr Brown said, but added that car companies were keen to see a Government framework for producing the sort of vehicles the Prime Minister was looking for.

Mr Everitt also said good infrastructure was needed if more electric cars were to be introduced.

Other suggested Government measures include:

:: Launching a study on issues relating to the development and commercialisation of electric cars, with findings to be indluded in a low-carbon manufacturing strategy in the autumn.

:: Accelerating the pace of transition to low emissions vehicles, so that within the next three years new car purchases for all Government departments average 130g/km CO2 or less.