UK provides discounts for 17 EV models under £650 million grant scheme 

In a bid to decarbonise the auto industry, the UK government has made thirteen more electric car models eligible for new government grants. Some models of Nissan, Renault and Vauxhall are eligible for grants up to £1,500, and the discount is applied during the actual sale of the car. Earlier, four Citroen cars were allowed for grants, while more models are expected to be approved as automakers are assessed on sustainability standards. The total electric vehicle grant scheme amounts to £650 million, according to The Independent. 

EU’s combustion engine ban comes under attack by the auto industry

Part of the EU’s plan to cut emissions is to ban combustion engine vehicles from 2035 onwards. However, this has not gone down well, especially the auto sector. Ola Källenius, the CEO of Mercedes-Benz, criticised the EU’s plan in a media interview, reported Reuters. The chief concern among the critics is that this could be potentially crippling for European carmakers who are already struggling with weak demand, low EV sales and fierce competition from low-cost Chinese rivals. The CO2-emitting vehicle ban is coming up for review this year.

Ford to roll out new, affordable EVs in 2027

Ford Motors’ plan to take on Chinese EV makers is to manufacture electric cars whose price range starts at about $30,000, according to Reuters. This new line of EVs will be rolled out in 2027. Ford’s new EV lineup includes a midsized pickup truck, which will be assembled at its Kentucky plant. Ford has invested $2 billion dollars in this plant, and retained around 2,200 jobs.

Italy approves $698 million EV subsidy scheme to bolster EV sales 

Italy has now approved a subsidy scheme worth $698 million for bolstering the sale of electric vehicles, reported Reuters. The European nation’s environment and energy ministry said it will offer up to $11,670 to retail consumers and $23,381 to small firms. The aim is to subsidise 30% of the EV’s price. Beneficiaries, however, will be required to scrap an internal combustion vehicle of up to the Euro 5 emission class, dating from 2015 or earlier.

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