The extension of the Plug-in Van and Truck Grant announced on 18 August will subsidise the initial investment needed to purchase electric vehicles and provide clarity and reassurance for the sector that the government is serious about a transition to zero emission vehicles, according to Logistics UK.
However, the organisation’s Head of Decarbonisation Policy Lamech Solomon says decarbonising commercial transport requires a multi-faceted approach:
“The Plug-in Van and Truck Grant is fundamental to the continued uptake of electric LCVs and HGVs and extending the scheme provides clarity for logistics operators looking to electrify their fleets.
“However, commercial and operational viability will always be the main driver for transport operators and alongside the cost of buying new vehicles, one of the main barriers they still face to fleet electrification is the lack of charging infrastructure. We regularly hear from our members that depot charging alone will not be enough and that there must be a mix of depot and en route charging to make operations viable.
“The sector needs greater clarity and support from government to give it the confidence to invest in these new technologies: we are urging that freight hubs and depot facilities are prioritised for grid connections to ensure confidence in the new technologies involved.
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