The Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles (OZEV) has said that van decarbonisation faces a “particular set of challenges” as it pledged support for the sector.
The comments from Lizzie Culwick, joint head of the OZEV, were made on a recent BVRLA webinar, in which panellists discussed van-specific measures relating to charging infrastructure, user experience, and financial incentives.
Culwick also took delegates through the zero-emission mandate, and how it targets a gradual acceleration of electric van fleets next year and beyond.
Other incentives such as the Plug-in Van Grant were outline where support is already being deployed. Delegates also heard of work to improve the charging experience and accessibility, as well as the broader provision of fleet-friendly charging infrastructure.
She said: “Decarbonisation of vans is really crucial to our efforts to decarbonise our road transport system and reach net zero by 2050. In 2021, vans alone accounted for about 16% of the UK’s domestic transport emissions. That’s a huge opportunity for vans to become the road to zero hero, but we also need to recognise that van decarbonisation faces a particular set of challenges.”
A panel of experts including representatives from Allstar, EV Essentials, Mitie, and ProGreen, explored the practicalities of the transition and what it means for fleet operators today. They established that, while progress towards zero-emission vans continues, its potential is yet to be unlocked through support being deployed in the right areas.
Michelle Miles, head of ProGreen, said: “We need to be practical. We need to be open minded. We need to collaborate and not set ourselves up for failure. The biggest thing? We need to be brave, because out of all our customers to have made the transition, not one has looked back.”
Toby Poston, BVRLA Director of Corporate Affairs, added: “Vans need targeted support. This is a topic on which the BVRLA has been a firm and consistent flagbearer. We led the way with our Van Plan in 2021 and will be publishing an all-new plan in 2024. That sees us collaborating with other trade associations, CV experts and decarbonisation leaders, creating a fully rounded, actionable plan.”
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