Investments into electric cars will offer road users significant savings with hundreds of pounds set to be saved on running costs. The extra boost means UK roads will rapidly transform with funds available for an extension to the plug-in giant and the rollout of new electric charging equipment.
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Speaking to Express.co.uk, Fiona Howarth said: “The March 2020 budget clearly showed a government getting behind clean, green transportation.
“With the extension of the plug-in car grant; additional funding for public charging; – and most importantly – giving certainty around exceptionally low company car rates for EV’s through until 2025.
“Alongside this, drivers can access significant savings on EV salary sacrifice schemes through their employers, and already save hundreds of pounds on petrol, maintenance and road tax.
“Not to mention being exempt from ULEZ and attracting cheaper parking in many areas across the country.
“Our roads are going to transform rapidly now – and it will be interesting to see which car manufacturers will be keep up.” (sic)
The government’s plug-in grant for sales of new electric vehicles was retained in the budget at the reduced offering of £3,000, down from £3,500.
Ms Howarth described the solution as a “smart move” to help many more families afford to go electric for their next road car.
The government’s budget has also laid out plans for £500million worth of investment into extra rapid charging stations.
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Increases to the number of plugs available will make charging equipment no more than 30miles away from any driver in a bid to reduce one of the main concerns among motorists about making the switch.
Recent surveys have revealed motorists may be hesitant to purchase an electric vehicle due to the issue of “range anxiety”.
This is when road users panic about how far their electric car will be able to run and whether they will be able to top up their vehicle to get home.
Speaking to Express.co.uk, Ms Howarth said the investment was “important” to make EV’s commonplace on the market.
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She added that most drivers will not face issues with breakdowns but admitted the extra investment would ease many minds.
Ms Howarth said: “Most drivers travel an average of 20-30 miles per day, and with electric vehicle ranges reaching 200-300 miles on a single charge – and overnight charging the norm – most drivers can find an electric vehicle to suit their needs.
“With charging at every motorway service station today, driving home for Christmas isn’t an issue either.
“But the convenience of super-fast chargers in many places will continue to build peace of mind.“
Alongside his standout reductions in car tax for customer car buyers, fuel duty freezes and extra road investment, the Chancellor also issued plans for a research hub.
A total of £900million of funding will be pumped into nuclear fusion, space and electric vehicle research which may be vital to develop a manufacturing base for the sector in the UK.
Tesla opened against holding its European Gigafactory in Britain, instead opting for Germany.
However, the research fund is likely to hit the UK back on the manufacturing map and could be used for widespread lithium-ion battery development to install in electric vehicles acids the UK.
Ms Howarth said: “Increased research, development and innovation in the field will only make more models from the full gamut of manufacturers (across all price points) smarter and safer.
“And with a nation of amazing scientists, engineers and problem solvers – it would make sense for the UK to be at the forefront of this.”
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