Electric Cars

HC Deb 17 May 2004 vol 421 cc714-5W

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport what action his Department is taking to promote the use of electric cars. [173824]

Mr. Jamieson

The Department promotes the use of electric cars in a number of ways. The PowerShift programme provides grants towards the purchase of electric vehicles and the New Vehicle Technology Fund is currently supporting the demonstration of several electric vehicles. The Government also provides fiscal incentives. Electric vehicles are subject to zero vehicle excise duty, an enhanced capital allowance rate of 100 per cent. in the first year and lower personal benefit in kind tax liability. PowerShift approved electric vehicles are also exempt from the London Congestion Charge.

Mr. Sheerman

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport how many electric cars have been in use in each of the last 10 years. [173905]

Mr. Jamieson

The following number of electric cars were licensed at the end of each of the last 10 years.

	Number
1994	93
1995	74
1996	94
1997	116
1998	151
1999	195
2000	221
2001	272
2002	326
2003	372
Source:
DVLA vehicle database.