The UK Government has announced that it is investing £9 million in a ‘try before you buy’ scheme for electric vehicles. The Highways England project will allow businesses to test EV suitability before committing to adding them to a fleet.
Businesses and organisations will have a free trial of electric vehicles for two months, encouraging them to make the switch to electric cars and vans from diesel fleets.
It follows a successful trial by the Energy Saving trust and Leeds City Council earlier this year, with councils in Coventry, Kent, Nottingham, and Sheffield working to establish their own schemes. Highways England has already agreed more than £3 million of funding with Bristol City Council.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “Whether you’re taking a trip with the family or commuting to work, with the wide range of models at competitive prices, it is now more cost-effective and convenient than ever to drive and charge an electric vehicle.”
