Lord Mandelson and Geoff Hoon MP have announced a government vision for low carbon transport. A policy paper outlines planned government incentives for the uptake of electric vehicles, as well as commitments for vehicle infrastructure and funding for further research and development. From the already announced £250 million for ultra-low carbon vehicles, government will provide a consumer subsidy of £2,000 to £5,000, which aims to make electric vehicles a viable and attractive choice for regular motorists. Government will announce further details on the parameters and delivery mechanisms of the scheme later in the year, with a view to having the initiative operational in 2011.
Additionally, government announced that a further Technology Strategy Board (TSB) competition under its Innovation Platform will open in June to reinforce the development of the supply chain for electric vehicles. Government will also immediately scale-up TSB’s ultra-low carbon vehicle demonstration competition. £20 million will be invested in the Department for Transport’s Low Carbon Vehicle Public Procurement Programme. Business secretary Peter Mandelson said: “Britain has taken a world lead in setting ambitious targets for carbon reduction. Low carbon vehicles will play a key role in cutting emissions. Government must act now to ensure that the business benefits of this ambition are realised here in the UK. We want the British motor industry to be a leader in the low carbon future, and Government must direct and support this.”
(Source: BERR)
Reposted from - http://www.smmt.co.uk/articles/article.cfm?articleid=19401
