MPs to debate van transition to zero-emission vehicles in Parliament

MPs will debate the challenges faced by fleets transitioning to zero-emission vans in Parliament on Tuesday (October 29).

In what will be a key moment for the Zero Emission Van Plan campaign, a transport minister will also be in attendance and required to provide a formal response.

The debate has been raised by Sarah Edwards MP, having met with industry representatives during last month’s Labour Party Conference at the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) stand.

Fleet operators and the wider industry are being encouraged to write to their local MP to request that they attend the debate and show their support for the sector.

A spokesperson for the Zero Emission Van Plan, said: “The ZEV mandate has been introduced to stimulate supply, but demand is lagging.

“Many van operators want to make the switch but are met by electric LCVs that are too expensive and struggle to cope with their operational needs, particularly when it comes to charging.

“The Zero Emission Van Plan is clear. For the transition to work, we need increased fiscal support, improved charging and the removal of regulatory barriers.

“While many fleets are making the switch and seeing early success, the majority are unable to adopt greener vehicles due to the financial and operational sacrifices that are required.”

New fully electric van registrations fell in September, the fourth successive month of falling demand and the sixth month of decline this year, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). 

Registrations fell by 0.5% to 3,020 units meaning 14,188 new battery electric vans have been registered since the start of January, 7.7% below the same period last year.

As a result, zero-emission vans now represent just 5.3% of all new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) registered in 2024 – just over half the 10% required by the UK’s zero emission vehicle mandate.

The SMMT says that decarbonisation will only be possible if fleet operators are confident that the switch is commercially viable.

Global economic challenges in recent years, however, mean BEVs remain stubbornly more expensive to source, produce and, despite compelling offers, more expensive to buy.

The lack of charge point infrastructure, particularly those that are suited to the specific needs of vans, also presents a major barrier for fleet operators considering the switch.

These barriers are preventing adoption and need urgent attention, according to the industry coalition behind the Zero Emission Van Plan.

The coalition includes the BVRLA, Logistics UK, the REA and its EV forum REcharge UK, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), The EV Café and is supported by Fleet News.

The Van Plan spokesperson said: “It is encouraging to see policymakers starting to take the transition to zero-emission vans more seriously.

“Vans are the workhorses of the UK economy and the fastest growing part of the vehicle parc. The government must do more to support electric van users,” the spokesperson concluded.

Fleet decision-makers can write to their MP directly via a quick-and-easy tool on the BVRLA website.