The UK government has extended the grant program to buyers of electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids until March 2018.
The plug-in car grant was introduced in 2011, and was originally scheduled to expire in early 2016, but the program will now run until March 2018, with some modifications
By announcing a 57 million dollars’ extension of the program, the UK is trying to make electric cars a mainstream option for car buyers, not just a green opportunity for wealthier vehicle owners.
This major investment is there to make driving an electric car affordable, convenient, and free from anxiety about the battery running out. The plan calls for the creation of "clean air zones" in five cities, in addition to one already planned for London.
Eight British towns and cities are taking part in the program which will offer electric car owners free parking and other incentives.
The government hopes to increase the number of zero-emission vehicles on UK roads as a way to combat poor air quality and climate change, although sales of such cars have only recently become energized.