The UK’s New Initiative

Electric vehicles currently represent just one percent of car sales in Britain, however it looks like Nick Clegg is looking to change that. The Deputy Prime Minister unveiled an £500 million initiative to boost the current market. His objective? He wants to make it cheaper and more convenient for British citizens to buy and use electric cars, over the more traditional model.

It has been announced that at least £200 million of the original £500 million is being put aside, solely to fund grants. Up to £5,000 will be offered per user, towards the cost of an ultra low emission car. With the grant electric cars may be a lot more feasible for more people around the UK.

More charging points will be placed up and down the country, specifically a-roads and motorways. This should counter the worry that many have about running out of battery and becoming stranded. Clegg hopes that once the new charging points are in place, more people will be encouraged to make the switch, without worry.

As well as more charging points being added, towns will be given cash to design schemes to benefit consumers of electric cars, such as permission to use bus lanes and free parking. We can see how free parking may sway commuters who pay hefty amounts for parking during the day.

Clegg stated that the initiative is about ‘creating a culture change’ and that ‘driving a greener vehicle is a no-brainer.’ Hopefully having the Deputy Prime Minister now publicly behind greener transport, will be a massive boost to the popularity of electric cars.