The U.K. is looking to invest $850 million into electric vehicles by 2020

Despite hefty incentives, electric vehicle sales have remained stagnant in the United Kingdom. While sales doubled in 2013 compared to 2012, matching the global trend, just 2,500 vehicles found homes last year. That’s less than the Nissan Leaf sells in some single months in the U.S. The U.K. government has this week promised to invest £500 million (almost $850 million) to boost the ‘ultra low emission vehicle’ industry.

Despite hefty incentives, electric vehicle sales have remained stagnant in the United Kingdom. While sales doubled in 2013 compared to 2012, matching the global trend, just 2,500 vehicles found homes last year. That’s less than the Nissan Leaf sells in some single months in the United States. The UK government has this week promised to invest £500 million — almost $850 million — to boost the ultra-low-emission vehicle industry. According to Charged EVs, the government sees it as a way to aid growth in the UK auto industry’s $19 billion contribution to the economy. Money will go towards both electric vehicle adoption incentives and investing in the country’s strong research and development industry — assisting the UK in becoming a world leader in green vehicle technology.