Grants for new electric cars have been scrapped, the Department for Transport (DfT) has announced, in a move that motoring organisation the AA has said could "stall" the migration from traditional fuels. Drivers could previously claim up to £1,500 towards the cost of a plug-in car costing below £32,000.
The automotive industry and motoring groups criticised the decision, with the AA warning that many motorists being forced to wait for a new electric car due to global supply constraints will lose out. The DfT said the “success” of the Plug-in Car Grant means the Government will now “refocus” the funding to encourage users of other vehicles to make the switch to electric.
Sales of fully electric new cars have risen from fewer than 1,000 in 2011 to nearly 100,000 in the first five months of 2022. Existing applications for the grant “will continue to be honoured”, the DfT stated.
