The government is to continue offering Plug-in Car and Van Grants until ‘at least’ October 2018.

The grants will be maintained at the current levels with a review to be carried out in the autumn. The government said it would try to provide as much notice as possible before any changes to grant levels were made, although it has previously said they would remain in some form until 2020.

Three levels of Plug-in Car Grant are currently available:

• Category 1 – vehicles have CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and can travel at least 112km (70 miles) without any CO2 emissions. The grant will pay for 35% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of £4,500.
• Category 2 – vehicles have CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and can travel at least 16km (10 miles) without any CO2 emissions. The grant will pay for 35% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of £2,500.
• Category 3 – vehicles have CO2 emissions of 50 to 75g/km and can travel at least 32km (20 miles) without any CO2 emissions. The grant will pay for 35% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of £2,500.

Category 2 or 3 cars with a recommended retail price over £60,000 are not eligible for a grant.

The Plug-in Van Grant is available for vehicles that have CO2 emissions of less than 75g/km and can travel at least 16km (10 miles) without any CO2 emissions. The grant will pay for 20% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of £8,000.