The British government announced Thursday that it will subsidize first-time electric car buyers up to $9,000 beginning in 2011.
The program, which is part of the government’s $452 million plan to promote low carbon transport over the next five years, will be available to first-time buyers of electric cars and plug-in gas-electric hybrids — only car models that debut on the market beginning in 2011 will be eligible.
The announcement gives carmakers time to gear up for greater demand. The government also will pay for new recharging stations around town with $36 million of the fund.
(Photo of the Moose, an electric car made by Green Vehicles, that has a range of 60 miles per charge.)