A £35 million package to boost the uptake of ultra-low emission cars and scooters was unveiled by Transport Minister John Hayes, yesterday (13 October).

The fresh funding commitment will see thousands more electric vehicle charge points installed on streets and at workplaces across the UK – after the number of new ultra-low emission vehicles registered rose by 250% in just two years.

Hayes said: “No matter what mode of transport you need - a scooter to get to work, a car or a van to run your business - we are here to help you do it with zero emissions.

“The number of ultra-low emission vehicles on our roads is at record levels and new registrations have risen by 250 per cent in just over two years.

“We are committing £35 million to help install new charge points and offer new grants as we aim for nearly all cars and vans on our roads to be zero emission by 2050.”

The funding is being delivered as part of the government’s commitment to invest £600m in ultra-low emission vehicles by 2020.

£20m will be used to encourage the uptake of ultra-low emission and will give councils the opportunity to apply for funds to install charge points to be used by local taxi fleets.

A £7.5m workplace charging scheme, due to be launched this autumn, will be open to eligible private and public sector workplaces in the UK to support the installation of charging infrastructure for their staff and fleet use.

The vast majority of electric car owners charge their vehicles at home – which is not always practical for people without driveways. A further £2.5m is being made available to councils who commit to installing charge points on streets near homes without private off-street parking.

In addition, an initial £3.75m is being made available for motorcycle and scooter riders who want to want to go green, providing them with up to 20% off the cost of an electric motorcycle or scooter. Buyers will be able to claim a maximum discount of £1,500.