“It is disappointing to see the that the UK Government has stopped the plug-in car grant today without notice.
“At Stellantis, we are fully committed to a zero-emission future and have ambitious goals across our Brands with our Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan to have entirely fully electric cars and vans well ahead of the Government deadline of 2035.
“The transition to this ambitious decarbonised future requires that all of the enabling conditions including a robust charging infrastructure are put in place to assist our customers in making the move to electric mobility.
“Today’s decision does not support this ambition for many motorists and business in the UK to move to a fully electric future.”
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Mike Hawes
“The decision to scrap the Plug-in Car Grant sends the wrong message to motorists and to an industry which remains committed to government’s net-zero ambition.
“Whilst we welcome government’s continued support for new electric van, taxi and adapted vehicle buyers, we’re now the only major European market to have zero upfront purchase incentives for EV car buyers, yet [we have] the most ambitious plans for uptake.
“With the sector not yet in recovery and all manufacturers about to be mandated to sell significantly more EVs than current demand indicates, this decision comes at the worst possible time.
“If we’re to have any chance of hitting targets, government must use these savings and compel massive investment in the charging network, at rapid pace and at a scale beyond anything so far announced.”
RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes
“The UK’s adoption of electric cars is so far impressive, but in order to make them accessible to everyone, we need prices to fall. Having more on the road is one important way of making this happen, so we’re disappointed the government has chosen to end the grant at this point. If costs remain too high, the ambition of getting most people into electric cars will be stifled.”