The government has extended a grant to buy zero emission vehicles at a discount, including large and small vans
The plug-in van grant allows businesses and van owners to upgrade their van to a more environmentally friendly one through large discounts provided by the government.
Small vans up to 2.5 tonnes can have a discount up to £2,500, and large vans up to 4.25 tonnes can have a discount up to £5,000. The scheme comes as a part of a shift in the industry to decarbonise fleets.
The plug-in van grant makes it easier to decarbonise a fleet
The grant was initially put in place in 2012 to aid in reducing the high costs that ultra-low emission vans can bring, and the scheme was extended to trucks in 2016. The schemes will now last until the end of the financial year 2024-2025 at the least, and may be extended again.
The scheme operates through manufacturers or approved third parties (such as dealerships) applying to have their qualifying vehicles as part of the scheme. The vehicles in question will be assessed and then can be sold under an agreed discount depending on the vehicle itself.
To be eligible, a small van must weigh less than 2,500kg (gross vehicle weight), cause fewer than 50g/km in CO2 emissions, and be able to travel at least 96km, or 60 miles, without any emissions.
A large van must weigh between 2,500-4,250kg, and have the same emissions and travel distance without them.
A full list of the qualifying large and small vans, as well as more information about the scheme for buyers, manufacturers, and approved third parties can be found on the government website.
The switch to electric vans is also being streamlined
The requirement for additional training for zero-emission vans is also being removed today, according the Department for Transport. The training was in place for these vans, but not for petrol or diesel vans of equivalent size.
This is intended to make it easier to both hire and train drivers for electric vans.
Future of Roads minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “From van drivers and businesses, to drivers with accessibility needs, bikers and cabbies, today we are making it easier, faster and cheaper for people to switch to electric vehicles.
“By making the transition to zero emissions a success, we’re helping to drive growth all over the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets and rebuilding Britain to deliver our Plan for Change.”
The government says that, since the launch of the plug-in van grant scheme, over 80,000 electric and zero-emission vans have been sold through the scheme.
