Nissan welcome electric car subsidy decision
Jul 29 2010 The Journal
NISSAN has welcomed news that a Government subsidy of up to £5,000 for electric vehicles will go ahead.
The car maker said the incentive to encourage motorists to buy new ultra-low carbon vehicles, beginning from next January, would help develop the market for electric cars, including the Leaf due to be built at its Sunderland plant from 2013.
Transport secretary Philip Hammond said the funding, first announced by the Labour government, will go ahead from January 2011, reducing the cost of new ultra-low carbon vehicles by 25%.
But Labour MPs and environmentalists said the Government’s announcement did not go far enough, with only £43m committed for a single year, rather than the £230m it had proposed.
A Nissan spokeswoman said: “The Government has signalled that Britain is serious about supporting new low carbon technologies and is serious about helping consumers to make more sustainable choices. Consumer incentives will bring electric vehicle ownership within reach of UK motorists and make cars like the Nissan Leaf a financially viable alternative to conventional petrol and diesel-powered cars.”
Labour leadership candidate Ed Miliband attacked the Government’s “disappointing lack of ambition” and urged it to match Labour’s greater commitment.
Sharon Hodgson, Labour MP for Washington and Sunderland West, said “The long-term future of the electric vehicle industry will rely on a long-term commitment from Government and consumers to helping Britain make the transition to greener transport.
“Funding for one year is a start and I am confident that the benefits of the incentive will prove strong enough for it to continue – especially with production on the Leaf in Sunderland beginning in 2013.”
The Department for Transport said the Government had “exceptionally” agreed the incentive before the autumn spending review to support the early market for ultra-low carbon cars.
Mr Hammond said: “The coalition Government is absolutely committed to low carbon growth, tackling climate change and making our energy supply more secure. We are sending a clear signal that Britain is open for business and that we are committed to greening our economy. This will ensure that the UK is a world leader in low emission vehicles.”
Greenpeace transport campaigner Vicky Wyatt said: “Electric cars are one of the ways we can cut our dependence on oil and move towards a clean, green transport system. That’s why it’s good news that the Government has announced this first chunk of funding.
“But if the Government is serious about putting hundreds of thousands more electric cars on Britain’s roads, it’s vital that Phillip Hammond makes a long-term commitment and stumps up the full £230m, as promised by the previous government.”
