Grants of up to £3,500 launched to help islanders switch to EVs

Tuesday 29 August 2023

Islanders looking to purchase new or used electric vehicles – including vans, mopeds and motorbikes – will now be able to access grants to help cover the cost.

The incentive scheme, launched this week by the Government, is designed to support islanders with making the switch away from petrol and diesel modes of transport.

The financial support will cover 35% of the electric vehicle (EV) cost, up to a maximum of £3,500, and can be used on electric cars or vans costing up to £40,000. It can be accessed through approved retailers in the Island.

Used EVs are also eligible for the purchase scheme but must be new to the Island and bought through an approved retailer.

Islanders purchasing electric mopeds or motorcycles under £5,000 can also receive £300 off the total price through the scheme.

Additionally, £350 towards the installation of a charger at a home or small business is available, and can be applied for and installed via the scheme's approved electricians.

Pictured: Deputy Hilary Jeune said the aim was "to get more electric vehicles into the Island."

Hilary Jeune, the Assistant Minister with responsibility for energy and climate change policy, said: "I appreciate and understand that the purchase of a vehicle can be a significant financial cost, whether new or used. We see the highest uptake of electric vehicles in jurisdictions that make them cheaper to buy, which is why we've launched these incentives today to do just that.

"The aim now is to get more electric vehicles into the Island. We know many Islanders are considering going electric with their next vehicle and this extra bit of financial support will hopefully help them make the switch.

"We also hope to see a reduction in the number of petrol and diesel vehicles coming into the Island as demand for that decreases due to Islanders going electric."

The £4.5 million in funding for the 'Electric Vehicle Purchase Incentive' and 'Electric Vehicle Charger Incentive' was allocated through the Carbon Neutral Roadmap, agreed by the States Assembly in April 2022, to set Jersey on a path to net zero emissions by 2050.

Transport is responsible for around 40% of carbon emissions in Jersey.

See here for more information and the list of approved retailers.