Britain has today announced the final details of its £230 million (AUD$397,213,500) ultra-low carbon car incentive programme.

From January next year, British motorists will be entitled to a ‘Plug-In Car Grant’ of up to £5,000 (AUD$8,600) when buying an electric, plug-in hybrid or hydrogen fuel-cell car that meets safety, reliability, performance and warranty standards, as set by the Office for Low Emissions Vehicles (OLEV).

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) welcomed the announcement from OLEV. It also announced the winners of the ‘Plugged-In Places’ scheme which saw UK cities and regions bid for investment to further the development of infrastructure required to support ultra-low carbon vehicles.

“This incentive scheme signals a significant commitment by government and industry to promote ultra-low carbon vehicles and is great news for motorists,” said SMMT chief executive, Mr Paul Everitt.

“The UK is determined to be a world-leader in developing ultra-low carbon vehicles, sustaining and creating high-skill jobs, attracting inward investment and producing cutting-edge products,

“Manufacturers develop and produce new technology where demand exists.  This incentive will help encourage international investment in the UK as well as reducing motorists’ CO2 emissions.”

The Plugged-In Places investment, totalling around £30 million (AUD$51,810,400), will see the installation of over 11,000 charging points in and around London, Milton Keynes and North East England. Additional cities will have the chance to join the scheme in June of this year.