Guidance

Plug-in motorcycle grant: how to complete the application form

Updated 6 April 2024

The application must be accompanied by supporting evidence demonstrating the vehicle meets the minimum criteria for the scheme. Accepted evidence must be in English and is detailed below.

Applicant contact details

1.1 Plug-in motorcycle grant (PiMG) scheme number

This is a unique identification number provided by the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) in response to a request for a PiMG application. It must be used in all correspondence.

1.2 Name of UK company applying

Name of UK company submitting the application for assessment.

1.3 Registered UK company number

Company registration number (CRN), also known as Companies House number. This is an 8-character code.

1.4 Registered UK company address

UK Postal address of company submitting application for assessment.

1.5 Contact details

Named individual with contact email and phone number.

Summary of vehicle details

2.1 Vehicle model name and type code

Make, commercial name and type designation as stated in the type approval documentation. Vehicle model name as used in the market (if different from the commercial name).

2.2 Make variants and versions seeking approval (including TVV codes)

List all the variants of the make for which PiMG approval is being sought and their type/variant/version (TVV) codes.

2.3 Vehicle technology

Provide a brief description of the zero emission powertrain technology (such as a fixed battery, swappable battery, fuel cell).

2.3a Energy storage capacity and chemistry (or principle of operation)

Detail the chemistry, in the case of the traction battery, or the principle of operation of any other powertrain energy storage device and its capacity (in kWh or other appropriate units).

2.3b Fuel cell power and capacity (if applicable)

The on-board fuel storage capacity of a fuel cell vehicle (FCEV) (in kg, in the case of hydrogen, or an appropriate unit for any other fuel) and power of the fuel cell (kW).

2.4 Maximum speed (mph and km/h)

As noted on the certificate of conformity (CoC).

2.5 Range

Maximum zero emissions range of the vehicle as noted on the CoC.

2.6 Number of seating positions

Single or dual seating positions.

2.7 Vehicle type approval category

As noted on the EC whole vehicle type approval (ECWVTA) certificate (or the UK (NI) or GB equivalent approvals) and the CoC.

2.8 Recommended retail price

If this has not been finalised at the point of application, give an approximate value.

See the definition of the recommended retail price (RRP) as required.

The grant is deducted from the purchase price of the vehicle, not the RRP.

For the avoidance of doubt, any discounts must be applied to the price before the application of the PiMG subsidy.

2.9 Charging type and plug type (if fitted)

Description of the charging system and socket interface for electric vehicles. If a standard UK 3-pin mains plug is used, please state this.

Meeting the eligibility criteria

To be eligible under the scheme all vehicles submitted for application must be of a type that requires registration with DVLA, driver licensing, the provision of insurance and the wearing of a protective helmet ^{[footnote 1]} to allow them to be used legally on UK roads.

In addition to these core requirements, all vehicles must also satisfy the specific criteria set out below:

3.1 Vehicle type

The vehicle must have ECWVTA or equivalent UK (NI) or GB approvals.

The vehicle must be type approved within one of the following categories according to Regulation (EC) No. 168/2013/EC or equivalent UK(NI) or GB approvals:

• L3e-A1 – low-performance motorcycle
• L3e-A2 – medium-performance motorcycle
• L3e-A3 – high-performance motorcycle

Accepted evidence

To show that the vehicle is homologated within one of the categories Regulation (EC) No.168/2013/EC or equivalent UK(NI) or GB approvals listed above:

• a copy of the ECWVTA or equivalent UK (NI) or GB approval documentation and the CoC

3.2 Mass

The vehicle must have a mass in running order (MIRO) of at least 50kg without the traction batteries fitted, as defined by the method described in Article 5 of Regulation (EC) No.168/2013/EC.

Accepted evidence

• MIRO as stated on the CoC

If there are credible concerns that the vehicle mass does not meet the requirement, the Secretary of State for Transport reserves the right to require the applicant to demonstrate compliance through the use of test reports from a type approval authority or technical service on all applications throughout the lifetime of the scheme.

3.3 CO2 emissions

The vehicle must be zero carbon emissions, which means output zero grams (0g) of carbon dioxide (CO2) per km.

Accepted evidence

To verify the vehicle’s output of CO2 emissions as ‘zero’:

• for approvals to Regulation (EC) No.168/2013/EC or equivalent UK(NI) or GB approvals, a copy of the CoC showing CO2 emissions of 0g per km

3.4 Minimum speed

The vehicle must be able to travel at a speed of at least 40km/h (25mph).

Accepted evidence

To verify that the vehicle can travel at least 40km/h (25mph):

• for approvals to Regulation (EC) No.168/2013/EC or equivalent UK(NI) or GB approvals, a copy of the certificate of conformity showing a speed of at least 40km/h listed in item 1.8.

3.5 Range

The vehicle must achieve a minimum range according to vehicle class. This is 50km (31 miles) for category L3e and L3e-A1, L3e-A2, L3e-A3 motorcycles.

The vehicle must achieve the minimum range using the test procedure defined in Appendix 3.3 of Annex VII of Regulation (EU) No 134/2014.

Accepted evidence

To verify that the vehicle’s range is at least 50km (31 miles) for motorcycles:

• for approvals to Regulation (EC) No.168/2013/EC or equivalent UK(NI) or GB approvals, a copy of the CoC showing the minimum electric range requirement above is met.

3.6 Battery chemistry

The vehicle must not use lead acid or silicone lead acid traction batteries.

Accepted evidence

To verify the vehicle is not fitted with a lead acid or silicone lead acid battery as the traction battery, one of the following is required:

• a copy of the EC or UK(NI) or GB WVTA documentation confirming the type of battery fitted
• a statement of confirmation from the manufacturer regarding battery type and chemistry used

3.7 Warranty for the vehicle (and battery or fuel cell)

The minimum warranty requirements that must be provided to meet the warranty criterion are available separately.

Accepted evidence

A copy of the warranty contract as supplied to the consumer showing that the requirements have been met.

3.8 Battery or fuel cell degradation

Definitions and requirements of degradation are available in Preparing battery degradation evidence.

Accepted evidence

One of the following is required:

• the warranty must explicitly state acceptable levels of degradation
• data from tests undertaken on an appropriate sample of batteries or fuel cells that have been in service for a period of 3 or more years to demonstrate that they have not degraded unreasonably
• a written assurance from the applicant that their battery will offer a reasonable performance, comparable with or better than the rates of degradation specified in guidelines for preparing battery degradation evidence. The applicant must provide evidence to support their assurance.

3.9 Electrical safety

For a vehicle to be eligible for the scheme it needs to comply with the requirements for electrical safety found in either of the following:

• Annex IV of Regulation (EC) No 3/2014
• UNECE Regulation 136 on the electrical safety of L category vehicles (uniform provisions concerning the approval of vehicles of category L with regard to specific requirements for the electric power train)

Further electrical safety

In addition, the manufacturer shall provide evidence of actions taken to identify and mitigate other electrical safety risks.

In particular, this must include what action they will take to inform consumers about the safest way to charge and use their vehicle.

Issues to cover may include:

• what voltage and amperage requirement will be needed to safely charge the vehicle
• what electrical safety advice will be provided to the purchaser
• whether charging infrastructure will require the installation of additional safety equipment or separate circuits
• how the actions of the applicant will ensure compliance with the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC

Where additional safety equipment or separate electrical circuits are required, tell us of the process you will follow to ensure that the necessary equipment has been provided and/or circuits safely installed by the time of delivery of the vehicle to the consumer.

Best practice for providing evidence

Examples of best practice for providing evidence include:

• a one-page leaflet for new customers outlining electrical safety issues
• a comprehensive instruction manual with detailed instructions for owners on how to safely recharge and maintain their vehicle and risks to avoid
• requirement or recommendation that the consumer has a survey performed on his or her home wiring
• advice on how to install a dedicated home charging unit, with details of potential companies who can carry out the work
• evidence of dealership training to ensure dealers can correctly advise on electrical safety during the sales process
• if relevant, indication of training, so that technicians and mechanics can safely service the vehicle
• providing blueprints and information to emergency services on how to correctly deal with an incident involving the relevant vehicle (for example, where the battery is located or which wires to cut)
• the written documentation applicants will provide with the vehicle explains the safe operation and charging of the vehicle. This will include guidance that is in line with the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC

Where it is felt that the applicant has taken insufficient measures, VCA reserves the right to:

• reject the application
• stipulate that the applicant undertake certain additional measures before the vehicle can be deemed eligible

Accepted evidence

• for approvals to Regulation (EC) No. 168/2013/EC, a copy of the ECWVTA document pack and the CoC

OR

• a test report from a type approval authority or technical service showing the vehicle meets the requirements of UNECE Regulation 136

In addition to one of the above, you must provide:

• descriptions of the action taken, and planned, by the applicant to identify and mitigate additional electrical safety risks
• at a minimum, the manufacturer should demonstrate points outlined in best practice for providing evidence in whatever form is judged appropriate

3.10 Hydrogen safety

The vehicle must show approval to either Regulation (EC) 79/2009 as amended by Regulation (EC) No.406/2010 or meet the technical requirements of UNECE Regulation 134.

The applicant must also demonstrate their commitment to consumer safety by submitting copies of the documentation provided to the consumer to explain the safe operation and refuelling of the vehicle. These include:

• a one-page leaflet for new customers outlining hydrogen safety issues
• a comprehensive instruction manual with detailed instructions for owners on how to safely refuel and maintain their vehicle, and risks to avoid
• information for firefighters and other first responders on hydrogen safety

Accepted evidence

You must provide one of the following:

• a copy of the type approval certificate and document pack to Regulation (EC) 79/2009
• a test report from a type approval authority or technical service showing the vehicle meets the requirements of UNECE Regulation 134

In addition, you must also provide descriptions of the action taken, and planned, by the applicant to identify and mitigate hydrogen safety risks not covered by Regulation (EC) 79/2009.

3.11 Charging plug type: EV chargepoint grant scheme

This requirement does not apply if the vehicle can only be charged with an ordinary 3-pin 13 A 240 V plug (domestic mains socket), and therefore a declaration is not required.

For the vehicle to also be eligible for the EV chargepoint grant scheme, the vehicle must be able to charge using one of the following:

• a BS EN 62196 compliant Type 1
• a BS EN 62196 compliant Type 2
• CCS Combo 2 connection

In addition, they must support charging in mode 3 as described in IEC 61851-1.

Accepted evidence

Declaration from the vehicle manufacturer signed by someone able to sign on the company’s behalf stating the vehicle is able to charge through the use of a connection described above.

1. Further information on motorcycle helmet performance and advice for getting the best fitting helmet for you can be found from SHARP – The Helmet Safety Scheme ↩