Last week, saw two significant steps forward for the Zero Emission Van Plan, with a Parliamentary Debate taking place before an extension of the Plug-in Van Grant was confirmed by the Chancellor.
On Tuesday afternoon, the topic of van decarbonisation was discussed by those with the power to make a difference. Sarah Edwards MP held a well-informed debate on the zero-emission van transition, prompting a positive response from Future Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood MP in which she pledged to support the transition.
Less than 24 hours later, the Autumn Budget included confirmation of an extension of the Plug-in Van Grant, which is a key ask within the Zero Emission Van Plan. The extra year confirmed by the Chancellor is worth an estimated £120m.
A spokesperson for the Zero Emission Van Plan coalition said: “The extension of the Plug-in Van Grant provides welcome relief to a sector facing an uphill battle to meet ambitious decarbonisation targets. Many van operators are seeking to kickstart their transition to zero-emission vehicles, with cost just one of the key barriers blocking their path.
“Extending the grant is a positive step but will not supercharge the transition by itself. Yesterday’s debate in Parliament about van electrification shows that the cross-sector Zero Emission Van Plan is gathering momentum. Its asks seeking increased fiscal support, improved charging and the removal of regulatory barriers are being heard by the people in the positions to make a difference.”
The coalition is led by the BVRLA and includes Logistics UK, Recharge UK, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), and The EV Café.
