Transport minister’s comments provide new blow for diesel vehicles

Diesel vehicles have taken another blow this week, with the UK’s transport secretary warning those considering buying one to take a “long, hard, think”.

In comments made to The Daily Mail Chris Grayling said people should make best endeavours to buy the least polluting vehicle they can.

It comes as rumours circulate about a scrappage scheme being introduced for older diesel cars, although the Department for Transport has declined to comment on this.

Tim Payne, CEO of InstaVolt, says: “It’s yet another knock for the diesel car industry, which has been plagued with scandals and concerns over recent years. With evidence showing that the emissions from diesel vehicles are harmful, it’s further reason for motorists to consider going electric.”

He added: “Electric vehicles are not only better for the environment but also much cheaper to run. In fact, recent research has shown the biggest factor attracting people to EVs is the low running costs, closely followed by cheap car tax.”

Concerns continue to be raised about the levels of nitrogen dioxide emissions from diesel vehicles. According to statistics from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), NO2 is responsible for about 23,500 deaths in the UK each year.

InstaVolt, headquartered in Basingstoke, aims to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions by making the UK an easier place to drive an electric vehicle. According to Government statistics, one of the biggest barriers that deters people from buying electric vehicles is the fear of not being able to recharge. InstaVolt aims to change this by introducing thousands of rapid charging points all over the country.

Unlike many other providers, InstaVolt’s ‘open charger’ model allows anyone to use its charging points on a pay-as-you-go basis. The 50kW rapid charging units can provide an 80% charge in just 30 minutes and are listed on popular website, zap-map.com, so they are easy to locate.

The company is working with local authorities, businesses and land owners across the UK to install the rapid charging points, which deliver a financial return for those who house them. The chargers are installed at zero cost to the landowner and among the organisations embracing InstaVolt’s unique solution is Mid Devon Council.

InstaVolt is able to install its charging points almost anywhere, including at the roadside and in supermarket car parks. It provides a full service, from design and installation to maintenance and monitoring.