Fleet News has joined a new campaign headed by the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) which seeks to obtain UK Government support for a fleet industry manifesto intended to facilitate and accelerate the uptake of zero emission vans.

The Zero Emission Van Plan has brought together Association of Fleet Professionals, Logistics UK, Recharge UK and EV Café to call on the Government to provide greater fiscal support, improve charging infrastructure and remove regulatory barriers. Fleet News is the latest partner to join the campaign.

The manifesto report is due to be launched to MPs at a parliamentary event on February 20. Fleet operators can help to boost publicity by writing to their local MP, using the BVRLA’s online tool, to encourage them to attend the session and pledge their support for the Van Plan.

The Van Plan’s three key ‘asks’ cover a range of requirements deemed essential to support continued uptake in the electric van market.

• Increased fiscal support
  • Extend the Plug-in Grant post 2024/2025
  • Financial support for SMEs to purchase used BEV vans
• Improve support for public and private charging
  • Using the Public Charge Point Regulations 2023 to ensure public charging works for e-vans
  • Launch a new fund to support fleets upgrading their grid connection
  • Produce guidance to help fleets navigate the grid connection process
• Remove regulatory barriers on 4.25t ZEVs
  • 4.25t ZEV vans should be MOT’d as a van not an HGV and not subject to EU driver’s hours rules

Last year, full electric vans accounted for 5.9% of light commercial vehicle registrations, the same proportion as 2022, suggesting demand is stagnating.

This trend was reflected in the latest Climate Change Committee (CCC) progress report which warned that “electric van sales are still lagging and remain significantly off track” when compared to the CCC’s pathway.

The Van Plan states: “To meet the 70% ZEV target for vans by 2030 operators need critical support now. A giant leap is needed to move the market from 5.9% of new e-van sales in 2023 to where it needs to be. Without immediate support the transition will continue to stall or even grind to a halt, making the targets in later years impossible to reach.”

Gerry Keaney, BVRLA chief executive, said: “Vans are the backbone of our economy, providing an essential form of transport and a mobile workspace. They are growing in number every year and account for a major portion of the miles driven up and down the country. If the UK is to meet its road decarbonisation targets, zero-emission vans must take centre stage. They are a vital player in the transition and command more attention.”

Fleet News editor Stephen Briers added: “While several of the UK’s largest fleets are well under way in transitioning their vans from diesel to electric, many companies are yet to start the process. They need much greater support from the Government which is why we endorse the Van Plan’s three key asks.”

Paul Hollick, chair of AFP, emphasised the "essential role" played by vans in transporting equipment, supplies and people around the UK. 

"There are a multitude of issues preventing our members, UK commercial vehicle fleet operators, from making the switch to electric vans – financial, charging and regulatory," he said. "It is essential that action is taken now to get the transition to electric vans on track and enable everybody to reap the benefits.”