SME van fleets wanting to switch to electric vans (eLVCs) can now plan with a degree of certainty, thanks to today’s announcement that the Government plans to extend the grant for two years (15 March 2022).
Explaining its position, the Government said its extension to the plug-in van and truck grants was to help decarbonise transport ahead of the 2030 phase-out of new petrol and diesel cars and vans as part of its net zero commitment. It added that it would help make the UK less reliant on oil imports, while improving the UK’s energy supply security and exposure to volatile global energy prices.
Since the grant programme was launched in 2012, more than 26,000 electric vans and heavy goods vehicles have been leased or purchased using the plug-in grant.
With nearly 5% of the UK’s CO2 emissions currently coming from vans, the two-year extension to these grants and the switch to greener vehicles is essential to support the government’s climate change and air quality commitments.
Transport Minister Trudy Harrison, explaining that currently nearly 5% of the UK’s CO2 emissions came from vans, said:
When it comes to clean business, this government means business. We are backing a generation of green growth for our thriving fleet sector.
As demand for electric vehicles continues to grow at speed, this extension to our grant scheme will allow tens of thousands more vans to be purchased, transporting goods in a way which is kinder to our environment. This will support our vital, ongoing work to clean up our air in towns and cities right across the country and build back greener.
As well as the extension to grant schemes, the Government has also announced it will continue to allow drivers holding standard car driving licences to drive electric goods vans at a higher weight limit, up to 4.25 tonnes (compared with a 3.5 tonne limit for diesel vans).
It also said there would be a focus on providing grants to heavier vehicles.
From 1 April 2022, the threshold to claim the small truck grant of up to £16,000 will be increased from 3.5 tonnes to 4.25 tonnes. Vans up to 4.25 tonnes will be able to claim the large van grant of up to £5,000.
To see which eLCVs are eligible for the Plug-In Van Grant, go to the Government’s website and read qualifying vehicles for the plug-in grant.
Further Useful Reading On SME Van Fleet Electrification And The Plug-In Van Grant
See our feature Why SME Van Fleets Should Go EV
JOIN THE DISCUSSION
Why not join the conversation on SME fleets – visit our LinkedIn SME Fleet Discussion page
