Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, attended an industry round table last week to hear about the factors holding back adoption of electric vans and discuss the role Government can play in supporting the transition.
Chaired by the BVRLA and attended by representatives from the UK’s leading fleet operators, trade associations, and government departments (listed below), the round table explored the unique solutions that are required to support the van sector specifically. Last week’s round table enabled key stakeholders and decision makers to discuss the speed and direction of essential progress.
Toby Poston, BVRLA Chief Executive, commented: “Constructive conversations such as this round table bring our sector and Government closer together. The needs of our sector are as diverse as they are plentiful, and we welcome the open dialogue and ongoing support of influential representatives such as Minister Greenwood.
“We covered everything from charge points and regulatory burdens through to the ZEV mandate. There was a genuine sense of positivity in the room, and a shared commitment to help take the sector forward.”
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: "It was great to join the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association and van fleet leaders from across the UK to discuss how we can speed up the switch to zero emission vans.
"We will always be on the side of British businesses and vanmakers, and that’s why we’ve announced £120 million to support the rollout of zero emission vans, new legislation to ease licence rules, and reforms to slash grid connection delays.
“This is all part of our £2.3 billion to support drivers and industry in switching to electric vehicles - a core part of our Plan for Change to back British automakers, safeguard jobs, and secure our future.”
The wide-ranging discussion looked at what more the Government can do to support zero-emission van uptake and the emerging challenges affecting fleets. Engagement between the sector and government is ongoing, with the potential to see further regulatory or policy changes in the coming weeks, when the Government is expected to announce its Industry Strategy and the outcome of its Comprehensive Spending Review earlier this year.
