Plug-in van grant will increase demand, says Renault

Date: 18/1/2012

Renault has welcomed the government's decision to extend the plug-in car grant scheme to vans, saying it will make the vehicles more popular.

Head of the Electric Vehicle Programme at Renault UK Andy Heiron said his company has been lobbying for the inclusion of vans for the past year.

"This addresses the big question that many customers and industry commentators have been asking us for many months and I think we can expect to see a surge in demand," he added.

Renault explained it will be applying to be part of the initiative before the deadline of January 31st 2012.

This means individuals purchasing its environmentally-friendly Kangoo Van ZE will see the cost of the vehicle dip from around £16,990 to £13,592 - only £1,000 more expensive than the diesel alternative.

A total of 21 Renault showrooms up and down the UK will be selling its range of four electric vehicles, with the Kangoo Van ZE being the first release.