The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a new funding package for the plug-in van and truck grants to cover the next financial year as well as increased support for depot charging.
The latest truck grant will offer savings of up to £81,000 off the heaviest zero emissions trucks, covering up to 40% of the cost, while the plug-in van grant will continue to offer discounts of up to £5,000 off the cost of electric vans.
Also, businesses and public authorities installing charging infrastructure for vans, coaches, and eHGVs, could receive up to 70% of the cost due to a £170 million boost to the government’s Depot Charging Scheme (DCS).
The Zero Emissions Truck and Van Grants and the DCS aim to tackle two of the biggest barriers to businesses making the switch – upfront costs and access to charging.
Current global fuel price uncertainty is challenging for businesses, and these grants aim to support industry switch to electric, helping reduce exposure to fuel price uncertainty.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive said: “Confirmed longer term funding for zero emission vans and trucks, along with support for depot charging, is hugely welcome.
“Transitioning this sector depends on operator confidence to invest and government support is the clearest sign that ZEVs are the right choice.
“To accelerate the transition, however, such that ambitious mandated van sales targets are met and the ZEV truck market moves beyond its infancy, these measures must be complemented by enablers such as grid connection prioritisation, dedicated commercial vehicle charging infrastructure and regulation that reflects the diversity of operators’ uses and requirements.”
