Last chance for fleets to claim hybrid van grants

Public sector fleets have just weeks left to take advantage of the government's hybrid van and minibus programme.

The Department for Transport is offering a subsidy of more than £3,400 per vehicle towards a new Ashwoods Hybrid Transit light commercial vehicle, but all orders must be placed before 31 March.

The grants are available through the DfT's Low Carbon Vehicle Procurement Programme (LCVPP), which aims to help public sector organisations to become early adopters of low carbon vehicles.

It is also open to housing associations, universities and further education establishments.

Mark Roberts, managing director of manufacturer Ashwoods Automotive, claims that, thanks to the LCVPP funding, the Ashwoods Hybrid Transit delivers a return on investment after the first 20,000 miles.

"This is a great opportunity for public sector fleets to access funding that will help cut carbon and save money," insists Roberts.

"The government funding is only there for the first 500 orders. We have a few places remaining and will fill them on a first come, first served basis," he adds.

Based on the RWD Ford Transit, the Ashwoods Hybrid Transit is the only DfT-approved vehicle in the programme. It is available as a chassis cab, minibus or panel van.

The Hybrid Transit is fitted with an award-winning hybrid system that captures wasted energy and uses it to help the engine burn less fuel.

The van is proven to reduce diesel consumption by up to 25%, and requires no charging, plugging in, or special treatment.