The Scottish Government has more than doubled a loan fund that aims to encouraging people to reduce their transport emissions, including switching to electric cars.
Ministers have made around £7.8m available, interest-free, through the Low Carbon Transport Loan Fund.
Humza Yousaf at East Coast Organics, which uses electric delivery vans
Individuals can apply for to £35,000, while businesses can access up to £100,000, in the form of a loan that can be repaid over a period of up to six years.
Transport minister Humza Yousaf, said: ‘The Scottish Government has set a clear vision of freeing Scotland’s towns, cities and communities from the damaging emissions of fossil-fuelled vehicles by 2050. Our aim is to help support the move to low carbon road transport by getting more electric vehicles on the road, and, where there are not currently electric alternatives, make the existing fleet more efficient.
‘This £7.8 million investment in interest free loans presents a significant increase on previous years’ funding and presents a fantastic opportunity for those who have been seriously considering purchasing an electric vehicle.’
Businesses can use the loan for a range of other sustainable transport projects including installing vehicle telematics, video conferencing and cycling facilities, while Hackney cab drivers can apply for up to £100,000 to cover the cost of a more efficient taxi.
Transport Scotland said there has been ‘steady growth’ in the number of electric cars on the countriy’s roads in the last ten years, with a 54% increase last year in the number of plug-in electric vehicles registered.
It added that the existing UK Government Plug-In Car and Van Grant scheme offers grants of up to £4,500 for those buying a new electric car and £8,000 for a van.
Applications are open now and will be accepted up to 31 March 2017, or until all funding has been allocated.
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