The commercial fleet sector will require more Government support if it is to decarbonise operations in line with the 2050 net zero target, according to a new report from Logistics UK.

The trade body’s Electric Vehicle Report 2023, published today (Thursday, May 11), highlights how a lack of fiscal support and an inadequate public charging network are having a significant impact on the confidence of operators to invest in electric vehicles (EVs).

In 2022, EVs represented 0.9% of the UK’s van fleet, up from 0.3% in 2019.

Almost two-thirds (62%) of the businesses surveyed for the report plan to have decarbonised their van fleets by 2030, but significant barriers remain that prevent the uptake needed ahead of the deadlines, says Logistics UK. 

David Wells, chief executive of Logistics UK, explained: “The logistics sector is fully aware of its responsibilities to decarbonise and is keen to do so. However, with respondents reporting wide ranging costs to upgrade their energy supplies to depots – between £100,000 and over £1 million – a lack of meaningful scrappage schemes, acquisition costs on the rise and volatile energy prices, it is an uphill battle that cannot continue without increased support from Government.

“Our industry operates on very narrow margins of around 1% and with significant inflationary pressures, increased wage bills and the rise in total road vehicle operating costs, logistics businesses need supportive fiscal measures to be able to upgrade their fleets and energy supplies without having to pass on increased costs to customers.”

With all respondents citing energy supply as their top priority, the business group is also calling for a fair and equitable approach to funding depot electricity connection.

“Significant frustration was expressed by our members who regularly use current public charge points, with respondents reporting difficulties in finding available EV charge point spaces and many encountering broken or inoperable chargers,” continued Wells.

“With further issues surrounding the suitability of existing charging facilities for commercial vehicles, Logistics UK is calling for an EV charging and refuelling infrastructure roadmap to be prioritised.

“This must be designed in collaboration with operators, backed with clear guidance and incentives for local authorities.

“A significantly accelerated rollout of public charging infrastructure that is fully accessible to commercial vehicles, with clear milestones for minimum levels of suitable charge point provision across the country, must be an urgent priority for Government if our industry is to meet its net zero priorities by 2050.”

The cost and availability of new EVs is also a concern for the logistics sector, it says, with long order deadlines and no viable scrappage schemes putting heavy cost burdens on businesses, particularly SMEs.

Wells said: “The lifecycle of a vehicle is carefully worked into any logistics business’ budget, to ensure continuity while keeping costs down.

“Our members should not be expected simply to write off the cost of any vehicles they operate – which could run to thousands of pounds for every operator: a supportive scrappage scheme should be in place to ensure that logistics businesses can stay on the roads without incurring further, punitive costs.”

Logistics UK’s Electric Vehicle Report is available here.