LoCASE has announced it is able to assist firms with purchasing from a range of Used Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEV) as part of their commitment to support, supply and create demand for green goods and services. Read on for FAQs.

FAQs

Are all Used electric and hybrid models covered?

A large range of models on the market are covered, as per the plug-in grant scheme. Of critical importance to point out, LoCASE cannot cover new vehicles with funding given the existence of this Government scheme. At this level, the vehicles are all full electric or plug-in hybrids but not standard hybrids. Note that LoCASE can also cover taxis, mopeds, motorcycles, vans and trucks within the same emissions brackets and ‘zero emissions’ mileage outlined.

How much will each business get?

This will depend on a number of factors (nature of business, annual mileage, emissions savings versus current fleet, readiness to proceed, number of vehicles being replaced) but eligible businesses can typically expect to receive up to a 40% grant of anything up to £5K towards total costs. One important thing to note is that ERDF funding can only be matched against private sector spend; if the vehicle is to be financed then this will affect the amount that we can approve towards the purchase and/or deposit.

Can all used vehicles also get funding?

If they fit the above criteria, then yes. Note that some older models will not qualify due to required emissions/performance data and that many of them will no longer be covered by warranty. Each case is taken on its own merit, but the idea is to encourage uptake of EVs as fleet/pool/delivery vehicles instead of their existing or proposed diesel/petrol alternative.

Is this set to replace the Plug-In Car grant?

No. The Plug-In Car Grant is available at point of sale (arranged by the dealership/manufacturer) and designed to help the uptake of new models and technology to the market. Whilst LoCASE are happy to assist firms with funding for what is a growing and healthy second-hand market, there may be limitations in range, payload and practicality for older models or some commercial applications. LoCASE merely seeks to offer support to firms who may not be in a position to ‘buy new’ but cannot cover the added up front expense compared to standard petrol/diesel vehicles.

What’s the catch?

There isn’t one beyond what’s written above. If you’re an SME in the LoCASE region (including owner-operator taxi drivers and sole traders) and not already in receipt of €200,000 of State Aid then let’s talk. LoCASE has placed a ceiling of £35K vehicle value and will be unable to cover prestige/ performance models. However, if it is a specialist commercial vehicle and/or needs adaptation (such as with lifting equipment or racking) taking it over this limit then they can be flexible.

Can LoCASE help with charging points?

Whilst there is still a scheme to help with infrastructure costs to power these vehicles, LoCASE cannot assist with the charging points themselves. It may be that extra funding assistance is needed (such as to link to a solar array and battery storage system for example) so LoCASE can look to include these linked project costs if applicable.

Where can I find out more information on eligible vehicles?

The best ‘one stop shop’ resource is still the Gov Plug-in Grant website. This provides all the information you need including the facts and answers you’re looking for to make an informed decision. This is a joint Government and car industry site, supported by Audi, BMW, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Renault, Toyota, Volkswagen, the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), and the Government’s Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles.

What’s the process?

It is standard across the entire region. Once registered with the programme, the SME will be contacted and wider options discussed with a Nextlevel Services advisor. SMEs can then be assisted with the application form by Nextlevel Services and informed of their successful award. Firms can then place their order with the dealer, manufacturer, seller or finance company and claim back funding from the programme to be paid directly into their bank account. This is the same process that has seen around 1,000 SMEs in the region secure our ERDF funding for a range of efficiency and business development projects.

How long does the application process take?

It will depend mainly on the will of your business to proceed. Approvals are monthly, so you could move from mere interest in a ULEV to purchase in just a few weeks. Claims can be fully processed within a fortnight of receipt of the necessary paperwork (invoice from the supplier, new vehicle details & bank statement showing settling of invoice from the business bank account). In short, with a fair wind, it could be a little over a month from first contact to full grant payment…by which time you’ll already be realising the many benefits of going ultra-low. Please note, a Needs Assessment Energy Audit will have to be completed prior to application. This can be arranged with a call to Nextlevel Services which takes about half an hour.

What about if I’m looking at a lease/finance package?

LoCASE can only cover up to 40% of what is paid by the business up front so bear this in mind when thinking about up front deposits and monthly payments. For example, were an SME to pay a £5K deposit and the rest over 3 years then LoCASE will reimburse £2K up front as 40% but not the monthly payments thereafter. They will need sight of the lease agreement (or similar) but otherwise the process is the same as above.

Can we look at anything else for our business at the same time?

Most certainly. When you speak to Nextlevel Services, we will also cover other aspects/areas of your business which could be assisted through LoCASE. If applicable, other projects can go into the same application and more substantial funding offers can be agreed up to the limit of £10K where projects show additional environmental and sustainability benefits.

Call Paul Brown on 07771 527810 for fee details and pre-registering for an application