Electric car scheme due to close by end of year

A scheme to help people in Jersey buy an electric vehicle is expected to close to new applications before the end of the year.

The Electric Vehicle Purchase Incentive (EVPI) scheme began in August 2023 and has since had more than 900 applications received and approved.

It allowed islanders to receive up to £3,500 towards the purchase of a new or used electric car or van.

The Government of Jersey said the remaining funds would be administered on a first-come-first-served basis and there were no plans to rerun the scheme once it had closed.

It added the scheme's funding was allocated through its "carbon neutral roadmap", and aimed to reduce Jersey’s road transport emissions.

The Electric Vehicle Charger Incentive which awards £350 towards the cost of a smart charger would still be available for islanders and not close at the same time as the EVPI, the Government of Jersey said.

A separate scheme supporting businesses with the purchase of second-hand electric vans would also continue to run until all 25 incentives had been allocated.

Minister for the environment, Deputy Steve Luce, said: "I am pleased that demand for electric vehicles has been so positive.

"Since the scheme launched last summer, we have received more than 900 applications, meaning many islanders have received a grant up to the value of £3,500 towards the purchase of a new or used electric vehicle."

He added incentive applications were still being accepted, but due to the high level of demand, the funding available had almost all been allocated, so it was expected the scheme would close before the end of this year.

"Islanders who are thinking about switching to electric and would like financial support from this scheme are encouraged to apply now before it’s too late," he said.

In 2023 there were 2,993 hybrid vehicles and 2,453 fully electric vehicles on the Driver and Vehicle Standards register in Jersey, according the the government.

This is from a total number of 127,911​ vehicles on the register.

The government added there were 1.53 cars and vans per private household in the island, which is higher than the England figure of 1.24.

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