Government subsidy for electric vehicles

[robinessex]

So, so far, the government has splashed out £11,000,000 on subsidies for 1163 electric cars (yrs 2010 & 2011). Works out at £9458 per car. But don't worry, the government are confident that by 2015, there wiil tens of thousands of electric vehicles on the roads. That's a relief, I thought it was going to be another government crackpot idea, money down the drain !!!!!

[thinfourth2]

That is damn impressive wastage considering they only give 5grand to each electric car buyer

Unless they have spent it something useful like charging point and not wasted it on fact finding missions



But it is all useless as we all live in a flats with on street parking located 24 miles away and the average commute is a billion miles a day

[HTP99]

We were discussing this subsidy at work this week due to the electric cars that out manufacturer are launching, we were wondering how long this grant will be available for and if it has an end data is it likely to continue because if not then it could well be the death of electric cars before they've got off the ground.

[Jim the Sunderer]

It's a shame I've not subsidised more well off hippies' cars.

[robinessex]

Apparently, most are second cars, owned by reasonably affluent persons anyway

[thinfourth2]

robinessex said:

Apparently, most are second cars, owned by reasonably affluent persons anyway

Which is not surprising as that is what they are perfect for a little run around to keep on your drive and do lots of local trips without ever having to visit a petrol station.

If the government wanted to spend 11 million on making electric cars popular then sell the real world advantages and stop giving money to folk who can afford a brand new car. Though i'd prefer it if they didn't spend the money and let the market sort its self out.

[thinfourth2]

On radio 4 now

[Twincam16]

Wouldn't they be better off helping young people doing apprenticeships to get mopeds? Strikes me as more useful - also a low-emissions, low-congestion form of transport, helps 16-year-olds to get to work where they can learn skills, start careers and pay taxes, gives them independence etc.