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State grant boosts hybrid sales

LONDON, England - A survey by Glass’s, the UK’s leading vehicle valuation expert, has revealed that the number of people considering purchasing a plug-in hybrid or battery car as their next vehicle has risen from nine to 53% - a five-fold increase since the same question was asked in July 2010.

The poll, taken in December 2010, wanted vehicle buyers' views of the UK government’s R415-million "electric vehicle plug-in" car grant.

The poll first asked respondents whether they would consider buying an electric or hybrid vehicle before they heard about the state incentive; 36% said they would.

This figure rose to 53% as a direct result of the scheme. When asked in July 2010 if they would consider buying an electric or hybrid vehicle as their next car, only 0.5% of respondents said they would buy an electric vehicle and eight percent said they would buy a hybrid.

"Phenomenal increase"

The UK's vehicle incentive programme, which offers as much as R48 000 off the purchase price, was rolled out on January 1, 2011 and so far nine models are eligible for the grant.

Andy Carroll, MD at Glass’s, believes the figures can be attributed to the incentive scheme.

“This is a phenomenal increase in a very short time, a fast-growing acceptance of the emergence of plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles into the mass market," he said. “It is also clear that the grant is affecting figures and could be the deciding factor for people already considering buying a plug-in, as well as appealing to those who would not previously have considered it."

Recharging network

The survey also revealed that, of those still unwilling to buy an electric or hybrid vehicle despite the grant, 48% said that this was not due to cost.

“This is also a significant finding," Carroll said. "It indicates that people need to be reminded of the benefits of running a plug-in or battery car and that there will be a better recharging network. Encouragingly, the government has just announced plans to relax planning permission laws for charging points and has urged town councils to promote their installation.

"It's another step in the right direction for car-buyers."
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