Minister vows to work with fleets | Plug-in van grant days numbered

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 and no promises made that the plug-in van grant will be extended beyond next year.

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.