Parcel delivery services and other UK businesses which make routine use of commercial vehicles may be able to take advantage of the coalition government's Plug-in Car Van Grant, which offers a stipend of up to £8,000 for anyone purchasing an electric van in an attempt to encourage uptake of the environmentally-friendly vehicles.

Transport secretary Justine Greening revealed that seven models of electric vehicle, including the Azure Dynamics Transit Connect Electric and the Daimler Mercedes-Benz Vito E-Cell, will be the first vans made eligible for the grant.

Faam is represented with two models, the Ecomile and the Jolly 2000, while Renault, Mia and Smith Electric will also have vans available for purchase under the terms of the plug-in grant.

Ms Greening accepted the necessity of driving for business and daily life in the UK, but warned that alternative transport methods like these are a necessity as the country faces up to the reality of climate change and attempts to slash its carbon emissions.

"Now there are seven different models eligible for that support van buyers should be able to choose one they find easy on the eye as well as on the wallet," suggested the transport secretary.

Gearoid Lane, managing director of British Gas New Markets, claimed his fleet intends to make use of hundreds of electrical vehicles over the next few years.

He added that extending the grant to fleet vehicles means it can play a role in businesses cutting down on their carbon emissions and hopefully prove a positive move for the green credentials of British industry.

Ms Greening's announcement comes after transport minister Norman Baker revealed government plans to invest £15 million in developing new methods of sustainable travel over the coming years.

The minister expressed his hope that this funding could help improve the UK's commitment to sustainable transport.

Author:  Paul Burn