The Government has vowed to work with the fleet industry to identify solutions to overcome the barriers operators face switching to electric vans.
Lilian Greenwood, minister for the future of roads at the Department for Transport (DfT), told MPs she understands the sector requires clarity around a number of challenges that they face, including the 2030 ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vans.
She also acknowledged during the debate in Westminster Hall yesterday (Tuesday, October 29) that “more must be done” to support van electrification and action was required to help van fleets access charging networks, both on site and on the road.
However, there was no timeline on when the rules may be changed for operating electric vans up to 4.25 tonnes.
Speaking during a debate on overcoming the challenges faced by fleets transitioning to zero-emission vans, Greenwood acknowledged fleets wanted “certainty” around ending the sale of new ICE vans.
She said: “To provide this certainty, we've stated our intention to phase out the sale of new cars solely powered by internal combustion engines by 2030 and we'll set out further details for reducing emissions from vans in due course, but all new cars and vans will need to be zero emission by 2035.”
She explained that was “no different” to the original policy of the previous Government, which allowed the sale of hybrid vehicles for a further five years, until 2035.
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Gareth has more than 20 years’ experience as a journalist having started his career in local newspapers in the 1990s. Prior to joining Fleet News in 2008, he worked in the public sector as a media advisor and is currently news editor at Fleet News.
Capt_Slow - 01/11/2024 13:40
Here's an idea. The current option on vans does not work. Every customer I speak to, does not want EV vans on their rental fleets, they do not offer enough range, they are too expensive, and they are simply not fit for purpose. Why manufacturers, and the goverment, cannot come together, and allow for PHEV vans to be run until 2035, to allow for better battery tech to be developed, is beyond me. It is simply madness, to keep pushing the EV van agenda, when it does not work for most companies in its current format.