Intended to help reduce emissions whilst saving costs for businesses, the scheme is being run by the government-backed Local Sustainable Transport Fund partnership, Inmotion! along with Venson and npower.

Four local councils are taking part – Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield – with eligible businesses able to gain access to a grant of up to £10,500 for a Plug-in van and £7,500 for a Plug-in car for a period of up to 48 months, plus an additional grant of £500 towards the cost of installing a workplace charging point.

The scheme covers the Nissan LEAF, Renault Zoe, Renault Twizy and Renault Kangoo Z.E. Under the grant a Nissan LEAF can save up to 50% on total running costs compared with that of a small hatchback with even the lowest emissions. 

Sheffield Cllr Jack Scott said: ‘South Yorkshire’s Electric Vehicle scheme is a fantastic way for local businesses to consider and change their employee’s travel behaviour through the option of leasing an electric vehicle for shorter work journeys. Companies making the switch to Plug-in vehicles will see benefits from lower running costs such as no road tax, and a reduction in maintenance costs, as well doing their bit to reduce exhaust emissions and helping to create healthier and cleaner roads in our region.’ 

Alan McCleave, business development director of Venson Automotive Solutions, added: ‘This is an exciting and ground breaking initiative that could serve to lay the path for local businesses throughout the UK to reduce CO2 levels in their region. The financial savings the Plug-in vehicle scheme offers brings businesses the added benefit of improving their bottom line whilst making a valuable contribution to the Government’s sustainability programme.’