Guidance

How to complete the PiTG application form

Updated 8 April 2024

The application form acts as a cover sheet and must be accompanied with supporting evidence in English.

Accepted evidence is outlined as follows.

If the requested evidence is inapplicable to the vehicle concerned, the applicant should state why the vehicle benefits from an exemption.

Applicant contact details

1.1 Plug-in taxi grant scheme number

This is a unique number provided by the VCA in response to the submission of Form A: Plug-in taxi grant scheme number application. It should be used in all correspondence.

See guidance on scheme numbers for vehicles with 1 or more variants.

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. 8-character code.

1.4 Registered UK company address

Applicant’s UK postal address.

1.5 UK point of contact for application process

Named individual with contact email, phone number and address.

1.6 UK finance director’s name

Name of finance director of the UK company, not the international holding company.

Summary of vehicle details

2.1 Vehicle make and type code

Make and designation as stated in the type approval documentation.

2.2 Make variants and versions seeking approval

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

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

• its capacity (in kWh or other appropriate units)

And 1 of the following:

• detail the chemistry (battery only)
• the principle of operation of any other powertrain energy storage device

2.4 Internal combustion engine capacity (if applicable)

For PHEVs state the engine nominal capacity (cm3) and fuel (for example, petrol or diesel).

2.5 Fuel cell power and storage 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)
• power of the fuel cell (kW)

2.6 Maximum speed (mph and km/h)

As will be publicly specified by the applicant (if maximum speed is limited please specify the limited maximum)

2.7 Number of seating positions

2.8 Vehicle segment

For example, lower medium or supermini.

2.9 Recommended retail price

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

The value stated should be inclusive of VAT, before deduction of the plug-in taxi grant.

2.10 Charging plug type (if applicable)

Description of the charging system and socket interface for electric vehicles.

Meeting the eligibility criteria

Applications for new types of ULEV taxi must be approved by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) prior to any vehicle being eligible to receive the PiTG.

Applications to the PiTG can only be submitted once the required type approval for the vehicle has been obtained.

OZEV will not accept any applications for left-hand drive vehicles.

Except in the case of demonstration vehicles, to receive the PiTG the purchaser or driver must provide their operator license that has been authorised by the relevant local licensing authority.

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

3.1 Vehicle type

The vehicle must be within the M1 category, as defined under EU Directive (EC) 2007/46/EC.

Accepted evidence

To show that the vehicle is homologated in the M1 category, provide a copy of one of the following:

• a copy of the EC whole vehicle type approval certificate and document pack
• UK(NI) whole vehicle type approval certificate and document pack
• GB whole vehicle type approval certificate and document pack
• a copy of the EC small series type approval certificate and document pack
• a copy of the UK national small series type approval certificate and document pack
• UK individual vehicle approval (IVA) certificate and document pack

3.2 Type approval as a wheelchair accessible vehicle

To receive the PiTG, vehicle manufacturers must show that the vehicle has been type approved as a wheelchair accessible vehicle.

Alternatively, the vehicle manufacturer will need to demonstrate that the vehicle is capable of safely accommodating a disabled person in a DfT reference wheelchair within the passenger compartment.

Accepted evidence

To show that the vehicle is wheelchair accessible, provide a copy of one of the following:

• a copy of the type approval certificate and document pack showing that the vehicle has been approved as a wheelchair accessible vehicle
• evidence to demonstrate that the vehicle is capable of safely accommodating a disabled person in a DfT reference wheelchair within the passenger compartment

3.3 Manoeuvrability requirements

The vehicle must be capable of being turned on either lock to proceed in the opposite direction (without reversing) between 2 vertical parallel planes not more than 8.54 metres apart.

The wheel turning circle kerb to kerb on either lock must be not less than 7.62 metres in diameter.

Accepted evidence

• a copy of an approval document(s) from a taxi licensing authority demonstrating that the taxi meets the stated manoeuvrability requirements

Multi-stage builds

For the purposes of the plug-in taxi grant, any multi-stage built M1 vehicle will need to have been approved as a completed vehicle (that comprises both chassis and bodywork).

The accepted evidence listed must cover the vehicle in its finished condition.

An approval for a vehicle that has not been completed will not be accepted. This is to ensure vehicles driven off the forecourt when bought by the public meet the plug-in taxi grant criteria.

Manufacturers will need to consult the Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) to obtain completed vehicle approval.

To make an enquiry about applying for type approval, email enquiries@vca.gov.uk

3.4 CO2 emissions

To qualify for the scheme, the taxi’s tailpipe CO2 emissions in combination with its zero-emission range must be such that the vehicle falls into 1 of the following 2 categories:

• for Category 1 PiTG (up to £6,000) - have a zero-emission range of 70 miles or more and emissions of less than 50gCO2/km
• for Category 2 PiTG (up to £3,000) – have a zero-emission range of 10 to 69 miles and emissions of less than 50gCO2/km

Accepted evidence

To verify the vehicle’s tailpipe CO2 emissions, provide one of the following:

• a copy of the communication form issued by the authority approving the vehicle to UN-ECE Regulation 101, showing CO2 emissions of 50g/km or less
• a copy of the approval certificate that shows compliance with Regulation (EC) No 715/2007, showing CO2 emissions of 50g/km or less

3.5 Zero emission range

The vehicle must have a zero-emission range such that when considered together with its CO2 emissions it falls into one of the 2 categories specified.

Accepted evidence

To verify the vehicle’s zero emission range, provide one of the following:

• a copy of the communication form issued by the authority approving the vehicle to UN-ECE Regulation 101
• the Type Approval Certificate (including Addendum) issued by the authority approving the vehicle to Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

3.6 Minimum speed requirements

To allow safe use on trunk roads and motorways, taxis must be able to travel at a speed of at least 60mph (96 km/h).

Different manufacturers use different processes for assessing maximum speed. This, alongside other environmental factors, introduces considerable variation in real-world performance.

In the event of credible concerns appearing about the vehicle achieving a maximum speed of 60 mph (96 km/h) in service, then the applicant will need to pay for the vehicle to be assessed in accordance with the technical requirements of UN ECE Regulation 68 to address those concerns.

The Secretary of State for Transport reserves the right to impose this requirement on all applications throughout the lifetime of the scheme.

Accepted evidence

• whole vehicle type approval documents
• a copy of the publicly available specification of the vehicle stating that the vehicle has a top speed of 60 mph (96 km/h) or greater
• a signed statement of vehicle maximum speed 60 mph (96 km/h) or greater, stating that this value will be made publicly available
• a copy of an approval certificate for UNECE Regulation 68
• a test report from an appropriately equipped and qualified technical centre that shows the vehicle has been tested in accordance with the technical requirements of UNECE Regulation 68

3.7 Vehicle warranty

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

Accepted evidence

• a copy of the warranty document as supplied to the consumer that will be supplied to customers showing that the requirements have been met

3.8 Battery or fuel cell and electric drive train

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

Accepted evidence

• a copy of the warranty document as supplied to the consumer that will be supplied to customers showing that the requirements have been met

3.9 Battery or fuel cell degradation

Definitions and requirements of degradation are available separately.

Accepted evidence

These requirements can be met either through:

• warranty terms that explicitly cover the battery against unreasonable degradation
• actual data from tests undertaken on an appropriate sample of batteries that have been in service for a period of 3 or more years, showing that they have not degraded unreasonably
• written assurance from the applicant that the battery will maintain at least 80% of its initial or rated charge capacity for the initial 3 years or 70% of its initial or rated charge capacity for the initial 5 years, the applicant must provide evidence to support their assurance

Further information on what each piece of accepted evidence requires is given in Guidelines for preparing battery degradation evidence.

3.10 Crash safety

Vehicles must demonstrate that they meet the minimum safety requirements of the plug-in taxi grant scheme.

There are 2 routes to demonstrate compliance:

• homologation to category M1 through EC Whole Vehicle Type Approval, UK(NI) whole vehicle type approval or GB whole vehicle type approval
• evidence that the vehicle satisfies the crash safety standards of the accepted whole vehicle type approval route

Accepted evidence

• a copy of the whole vehicle type approval certificate for the model of the taxi that is being presented to the VCA
• relevant crash test certificate for the model of vehicle that is being presented for approval to VCA

If vehicle has an individual vehicle approval, the relevant crash test reports must be submitted in the document pack

OZEV reserves the right to require the applicant to complete crash testing if it is considered that the data provided is insufficient, or the results inconclusive.

VCA reserves the right to see system an component approvals.

3.11 Electrical safety

Applicants should provide a copy of the approval certificate and full document pack to UNECE Regulation 100.02.

If the applicant is not able to supply UNECE Regulation 100.02 certificate and full document pack, they must supply:

• the approval documentation and certificates to UNECE R100.01
• evidence to show that the additional technical requirements of the 02 series of amendments have been met

For vehicles approved through the NSSTA or IVA routes, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) is temporarily allowing evidence of certification to UNECE Reg 100.01 only.

From July 2022, OZEV is likely to require evidence that the technical requirements of the 02 series of amendments have been met.

This will apply to vehicles already approved for the grant and new applicants.

Further electrical safety

The applicant must also provide evidence of action taken to mitigate electrical safety risks not covered by Regulation 100.

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

Issues to cover must 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 applicant will ensure that the necessary equipment has been provided and/or circuits safely installed by the time the vehicle is delivered to the consumer
• how the actions of the applicant will ensure compliance with the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC
• submitting written confirmation that the applicant will provide documentation with the vehicle that explains the safe operation and charging of the vehicle

Best practice for providing evidence

Examples of best practice for providing evidence include:

• a 1 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 their premises 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
• blueprints/information to emergency services on how to correctly deal with an incident involving the relevant vehicle (such as, where the battery is located or which wires to cut)

Where it is felt that the applicant has taken insufficient measures, the 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

One of the following is required:

• a copy of the type approval certificate and document pack to UN-ECE Reg 100.02
• a copy of the type approval certificate and document pack to UN-ECE Reg 100.01, and evidence that technical requirements for 02 series of amendments are met

In addition to either piece of evidence, descriptions of the action taken and planned by the applicant to identify and mitigate electrical safety risks not covered by Regulation 100.

At a minimum the manufacturer should demonstrate points outlined in best practice for providing evidence in whatever form is judged appropriate

3.12 [FCEV ONLY] - Hydrogen safety

The vehicle must show approval to Regulation (EC) 79/2009 as amended by Regulation (EC) No. 406/2010.

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.

Examples of best practice for providing evidence:

• a 1 page leaflet for new customers outlining hydrogen safety issues
• a comprehensive instruction manual with detailed instructions for owners on how to safely recharge and maintain their vehicle and risks to avoid
• information for firefighters and other first responders on hydrogen safety

Accepted evidence

All of the following are required:

• a copy of the type approval certificate and document pack to Regulation (EC) 79/2009
• descriptions of the action taken and planned by the applicant to identify and mitigate hydrogen safety risks not covered by Regulation (EC) 79/2009
• blueprints/information to emergency services on how to correctly deal with an incident involving the relevant vehicle (such as, where fuel cell is and how it should be treated)