Press release | Zero Motorcycles, the global leader in electric motorcycles, welcomes the British Government’s commitment to invest £200m in electric vehicle charging infrastructure, as well as the continuation of the existing plug in vehicle grant, as announced in this week’s budget speech.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, announced that the government will invest £200m to support the wider roll out of charging infrastructure, which will be matched by private investment to create a £400m ‘Charging Investment Infrastructure Fund’ to increase the network of charging points for ultra low emission vehicles. Mr. Hammond also committed to extending the current Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) grant, which pays 20% of the purchase price of a new electric vehicle, up to maximum of £1500 until at least 2020. Currently all Zero motorcycles are eligible for this subsidy, which is arranged by the dealer at the point of sale.

Commenting on the budget, Zero Motorcycles’ UK Manager Dale Robinson said: “It’s good news that the government continues to recognise the role that electric vehicles can play in providing a cleaner future. In this past year we have seen a great deal of interest in Zero motorcycles from both the press and public alike and a constant improvement in the infrastructure will give more and more people a reason to go electric. As manufacturers we are doing our bit. The 2018 Zeros have 10% more range than the 2017 models, over 230 miles in the city, and the option of the factory fitted Charge Tank means that riders will be able to take advantage of these increasing number of charging points and recharge quickly while out on the road, and this commitment to invest in the infrastructure is good news for our current and potential owners.”

The government has also confirmed that there will be no benefit in kind charge on electricity provided by employers to charge employees’ vehicles – good news for commuters using their Zeros to travel to work on a daily basis – while also ensuring that all new build homes will be built with the correct wiring to house electric vehicle charging points.