The Plug-in Car Grant Scheme is a Department of Transport initiative to encourage more low-carbon cars onto the road by offering a £5,000 grant for brand new qualifying cars.

Eligibility 

Most of the vehicles qualifying for the grant will be electric. The 'Plug-in Car Grant' is actually a bit of a misnomer as hybrids and hydrogen-fuelled cars will count.

Any car with tailpipe emissions under 75/km will be covered. Keep checking the Plug-in Car Grant website to see available cars and recommended retail prices.

The Grant

The Grant itself is available from 1st January 2011 and it is unknown how long it will be available for.

The £5,000 is actually deducted at the point of sale and all administration will be carried out by your car salesman. He will also ask you a few questions about your decision to purchase a low-carbon vehicle, which will be used to inform policy makers.