Logistics UK: Zero emission vehicle grants and depot charging scheme are “significant” step towards decarbonisation

High upfront vehicle costs and the challenge of securing depot charging infrastructure remain two of the largest barriers to electric HGV adoption, according to Logistics UK’s research¹. The business group has therefore welcomed today’s government announcement (25 March), which includes extending the Depot Charging Scheme and confirming the levels of funding available through the Zero Emission Truck and Van Grants, as a significant step forward.

“This is the practical support the industry needs that will move the needle on electric commercial vehicle adoption,” says Ben Fletcher, the group’s Chief Executive. “Our research highlights a growing gap between decarbonisation targets and industry readiness – particularly among smaller operators – driven by factors such as limited charging infrastructure and high cost of electricity. By extending the Depot Charging Scheme and confirming significant funding levels through the Zero Emission Truck and Van Grants, the government is simplifying the investment decisions businesses need to take.

“These announcements reduce uncertainty in purchasing decisions and will help fleet operators demonstrate the operational viability of transitioning to electric vehicles. However, vehicle procurement cycles span several years, so the government must provide multi-year funding certainty to support the continued adoption of Zero Emission vehicles. Moving away from the current annual funding cycles will present a clear transition pathway enabling businesses to plan and upgrade their fleets in a more structured and sustainable way.”

Logistics UK is one of the UK’s biggest business groups, representing logistics businesses which are vital to keeping the UK trading, and more than seven million people directly employed in the making, selling and moving of goods. With decarbonisation, new technology and other disruptive forces driving change in the way goods move across borders and through the supply chain, logistics has never been more important to UK plc. Logistics UK supports, shapes and stands up for safe and efficient logistics, and is the only business group which represents the whole industry, with members from the road, rail, water and air industries, as well as the buyers of freight services such as retailers and manufacturers whose businesses depend on the efficient movement of goods. For more information about the organisation and its work, please visit logistics.org.uk

¹“Powering Change: building a credible plan for decarbonising road logistics”