Smith in vehicle subsidy boost
A Smith Electric Vehicles vehicle has been named among the first vans eligible for the government's new Plug-in Car Van Grant. Smith said the news made the economic rationale for the vehicles "as compelling as the environmental case".
The Department for Transport (DfT) has approved the Smith Edison, for the subsidy. Any business purchasing the model can now benefit from up to £8,000 off the list price.
Manufactured in Washington, the Smith Edison is available as a panel van and as a chassis cab with a range of up to 100 miles on a single charge.
Geoff Allison, managing director of Smith Electric Vehicles Europe, said: "We are delighted that the Smith Edison has been accepted into the Plug-In Van Grant scheme.
"This grant will help our fleet customers to achieve a faster return on investment, making the economic case for electric vans as compelling as the environmental case."
Smith is one of seven manufacturers to have its all-electric light commercial vehicles approved for the Plug-In Van Grant.
The company last week announced it had signed a letter of intent for a $25m (£15.7m) investment and a $75m (£47.3m) joint venture with Wanxiang Group, China's largest auto-parts maker.
"Vans are essential to the smooth running of so many businesses and contribute enormously to the UK economy," said business minister Mark Prisk, announcing the subsidy companies.
"An upfront purchase grant, when combined with lower running costs and tax benefits, can make switching to an ultra low carbon van an attractive choice for those businesses.
"Now there are seven different models eligible for that support van buyers should be able to choose one they find easy on the eye as well as on the wallet."
British Gas New Markets is one business which is keen to extend its electric vehicle presence. The company has announced an ambition to have hundreds of electric vans in their fleets over the next few years.
"With our network of engineers repairing boilers around the country we are keen to include electric vans in our own fleet, with hundreds scheduled to be introduced over the next few years," said managing director Gearoid Lane.
"We are also at the forefront of helping people with their own electric cars by installing charge points in homes up and down Britain."
