The BVRLA has welcomed today’s announcement that availability of the Plug in Van Grant has been confirmed for an additional two years, until 2024/5. Commenting on the news, BVRLA Director of Corporate Affairs, Toby Poston said:
“This good news comes at the perfect time for the fleet industry as it struggles with rising operating costs and global shortage of electric vans. The two-year extension on the grant will enable van operators to plan their fleet upgrades with greater confidence. This prolonged van grant was a key pillar of the ‘Van Plan’ that the BVRLA launched last year and we are delighted that the Government has responded to our campaign.
“The electric van market continues to lag behind the electric car market and next year was not the time to remove this vital grant. As the funds available to support the transition to zero emission diminish, we support the Government’s pragmatic steps to focus on sectors that need the most help in the build up to the 2030 phase-out.”
The BVRLA also welcomed today’s clarification on the continued ability of Class B licence holders to drive heavier electric vans up to 4.25 tonnes.
IE Comment: Nobody seems able to think ahead and consider how people will have their food and other goods like pharma supplies delivered when vans are all electric. If the power is down, due to no wind turning turbines, overseas gas or nuclear power station suppliers boycotting the UK, or unable to supply due to their own economic problems etc. then we will face power cuts or rationing. So how will the electric vans run then?
The sensible strategy would be to balance the fleet of electric vehicles in high population density cities, with the existing diesel, plus subsidise a new tech, hydrogen fleet of commercial vehicles. But no, joined up thinking simply does not exist in the public sector.
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