Ministers spark electric car revolution in London

Ministers today committed millions of pounds to bringing about an electric car revolution in London.

Motorists will get grants of up to £5,000 to buy electric, hybrid or other ultra-clean vehicles.

Nearly 7,500 recharging points will also be installed around the capital over three years — 1,600 within 12 months.

Transport Secretary Lord Adonis said: "Decarbonising transport isn't an aspiration — it's a reality. By this time next year, cutting-edge motorists will be on the roads with these next generation cars they've purchased because of our help."

Mayor Boris Johnson said he wanted London to become the motoring "electric capital of Europe", with 25,000 recharging points by 2015. This would mean all Londoners would be within a mile of a recharging station.

The Government today allocated nearly £5.5 million for 2010/11 towards a three-year £29 million project led by Transport for London to get people in the capital to opt for electric cars.

Mr Johnson said: "I am absolutely thrilled the Government has recognised the collective commitment to electric vehicle use in the capital.

"We will now be able to speed up plans for the introduction of electric vehicle infrastructure, sealing London's status as the electric capital of Europe."

Motorists will be able to apply for the grants of up to £5,000 from next year, from a national £230 million fund, to subsidise a quarter of the cost of an electric car, a hybrid with CO2 emissions of below 75g/km or a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle. They will be paid to the manufacturer.