The extension of the scheme until at least 2027 is progress and will encourage many businesses, providing welcome support alongside existing streams including the Department for Transport's £30 million Depot Charging Scheme and the Scottish Government's £2 million HGV Market Readiness Fund.
The Road Haulage Association (RHA) is also calling for additional measures to address the broader financial and infrastructure barriers that continue to hinder investment in zero-emission commercial vehicles, as evidenced by the association's Future of Fleet Report and survey results published earlier in the year.
RHA MD Richard Smith commented:
"Businesses will be encouraged that the plug-in grant scheme is being extended until at least 2027. Confirmation of the scheme continuing until 2027 provides welcome certainty for many firms.
As we outlined in our Future of Fleets report, more support will be required to allow companies to invest viably in zero-emission commercial vehicles—especially at a time of rising cost pressures and considerations.
To address some of the remaining broader barriers, we urge the Government to implement a residual value guarantee scheme to bring down vehicle financing costs, which remains an obstacle for many HGV, coach, and van operators. Additional help to address grid connection costs will be crucial too, as this is essential infrastructure investment that's often beyond what individual firms can absorb.
We're committed to working collaboratively to find solutions which will make the decarbonisation journey achievable and affordable to businesses of all sizes throughout our sector."
Notes:
- The current plug-in van and truck grant offers discounts of up to:
- £2,500 for small vans
- £5,000 for large vans
- £16,000 for small trucks
- £25,000 for large trucks
- The RHA Future of Fleets Report and survey results can be viewed here.
