TAXPAYERS are footing the bill for electric cars that thousands of benefits claimants do not even want, The Sun can reveal.
A new £650million green grant will knock up to £3,750 off the price of EVs, including for welfare users on the Motability scheme.
Almost 50% of Motability customers are unable to charge electric vehicles at their residences. Consequently, many have given up and returned these vehicles, frustrated by inadequate charging infrastructure and limited public charging accessibility.
In spite of these challenges, government officials are investing additional funds into the program to increase electric vehicle sales and achieve net zero emission goals, utilizing public funding to support a technology that disabled drivers report as ineffective for their needs.
Motability plunged to a £564million loss last year but bosses still took home bonuses worth nearly £200,000.
With the introduction of this new grant, some beneficiaries might acquire electric vehicles without any initial payment, as taxpayers effectively subsidize the cost twice—first through welfare benefits and again through special discounts.
The scheme, which now makes up 1 in 5 of all new cars sold, has already faced fury over social media boasts about “free” BMWs and cases of fraud and misuse.
Reform UK’s Richard Tice told The Sun: “Motability was well intentioned but has sadly become a byword for benefits abuse and propping up electric car sales.
“Without it, EV sales figures would be dire. It is effectively becoming a Ponzi scheme”.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said the grant “will allow people keep more of their hard-earned money” and support the UK car industry.
Cars made in China will be excluded from the scheme, and top-selling brands like Tesla also do not currently qualify – with discounts only applying to vehicles priced under £37,000.
A spokesperson from Motability Operations, which runs the Motability Scheme, said: “We welcome the Government’s Electric Car Grant and the inclusion of our customers. It’s vital that the EV transition is inclusive and doesn’t leave disabled people behind. With the 2035 deadline on the horizon, any move that supports both drivers and the wider industry and improves positivity towards EVs is welcome.”
