A debate on the issues facing electric van adoption is due to be held in Parliament – a development which has been welcomed by the Zero Emission Van Plan campaign.
The debate, scheduled for Tuesday, 29 October, will take place with the Transport Minister in attendance and required to provide a formal response.
The debate has been raised by Sarah Edwards MP, having met with industry representatives at the BVRLA’s stand during last month’s Labour Party Conference.
The Zero Emission Van Plan coalition, which includes the BVRLA, Logistics UK, the REA and its EV forum REcharge UK, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), and The EV Café, is encouraging fleet operators and industry stakeholders to write to their local MP (via the BVRLA website) to request that they attend the debate and show their support for the sector.
A campaign spokesperson said: “The ZEV mandate has been introduced to stimulate supply, but demand is lagging. Many van operators want to make the switch but are met by electric LCVs that are too expensive and struggle to cope with their operational needs, particularly when it comes to charging.
“The Zero Emission Van Plan is clear. For the transition to work, we need increased fiscal support, improved charging and the removal of regulatory barriers.
“While many fleets are making the switch and seeing early success, the majority are unable to adopt greener vehicles due to the financial and operational sacrifices that are required.”
“It is encouraging to see policymakers starting to take the transition to zero-emission vans more seriously. Vans are the workhorses of the UK economy and the fastest growing part of the vehicle parc. The government must do more to support electric van users.”
