Business leaders and sustainable transport campaigners have come together in urging the Chancellor to provide more financial support and incentives to support the zero emission van market.
In line with the recommendations from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association’s (BVRLA) so-called ‘van plan’, the letter to Rishi Sunak MP outlines the need to introduce targeted plans and funding that will support the uptake of electric vans across the 3.4 million people in the UK that require a van for their job.
The letter is co-signed by the BVRLA, BRC, Finance & Leasing Association, Green Alliance, Logistics UK, Renewable Energy Association, and Transport & Environment.
As the fastest-growing form of road transport, vans account for 16 per cent of associated UK emissions.
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However, BVRLA warn that there is a significant disparity between progress in the electric car and electric van markets.
The average electric van costs 31 per cent more than its petrol or diesel equivalent and in many cases it can be as high as 50 per cent more.
BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “Electric vans are the future, but for too long, the government has focussed on one-size-fits-all solutions for electric vehicles.
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“Zero emission vans are not yet affordable, accessible or feasible for many fleets and use cases.
“The sector needs a well-financed strategy with additional targeted fiscal support if we are to meet the 2030 phase out target.
“The measures laid out so far in the Transport Decarbonisation Plan and Net Zero Strategy do not go far enough.”
