Van dealers would support a short moratorium of the UK Government’s ZEV mandate, and welcome a new consultation on the electric van transition, according to the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA).
The ZEV mandate requires manufacturers to sell an increasing proportion of zero-emission vans each year, or face fines.
Amid increasing industry disquiet about the mandate, the government introduced a consultation on further flexibilities associated with the policy on Christmas Eve.
In addition, the government is consulting on measures that could potentially help electric van adoption, including amendments to 3.5-4.25t electric van MOT testing rules, and the removal of these vans’ drivers from coverage by tachograph regulations.
NFDA chief executive Sue Robinson said: “NFDA’s commercial vehicle dealer members support van manufacturers in calling for a short moratorium of the ZEV mandate and welcome the inclusion of a section for vans in the consultation launched last week by the government.
“Year-to-date figures for 2024 reveal that electric vans account for just 5.8% of the market share, a decline of -0.1% compared to the same period in 2023, and well below the 10% target set by the mandate.
“This is particularly concerning as fines for non-compliant vans are set to double from £9,000 to £18,000 in 2025, alongside the mandate percentage increasing to 16%.”
Robinson said that diesel vans currently remained the preferred choice for most customers due to range, refuelling speed, payload capacity, and lower purchase costs, as well as concerns about drivers’ access to home charging.
She continued: “The government must prioritise incentivising van customers during the transition to electric, recognising that their needs differ from those of car buyers.
“If the government continues to enforce unrealistic ZEV targets and penalties for vans, manufacturers will reduce the supply of diesel light commercials, which will harm the UK economy. This could also lead to the unintended consequence of older, polluting vans being repeatedly repaired to stay on the roads, further damaging air quality.
“Van dealers have invested heavily and are committed to the transition but emphasise that this needs to be gradual and orderly. NFDA-CV strongly supports a short-term reassessment of ZEV targets until customer demand and van charging infrastructure meet the government’s expectations.
“Such an approach would facilitate a balanced and sustainable shift to zero emissions.”
