🕒 Article read time: 2 minutes
26-year high for vans performance
According to figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) 5 March 2024, new light commercial vehicle (LCV) registrations grew by 2.2% to 17,934 units in the best February performance since 1998.
The figures were boosted by continued rising demand for large vans (weighing 2.5 -3.5 tonnes) with registrations of 12,300 vehicles (1.4% increase) representing almost seven in 10 (68.6%) of all new van registrations.
“The boost in total LCV registrations last month is welcome news," says Denise Beedell, Logistics UK’s Senior Policy Manager. “It demonstrates confidence and growth expectations in the commercial van sector.”
More worrying are the figures for battery electric vans (up to 3.5 tonnes), with registrations of only 847 units, a drop of 119 units compared with the same period last year. This decline now means that the February 2024 market share of battery electric vans now stands at 4.7%, down from 5.5% a year ago. Vans (up to and including 2.0 tonnes) and medium-sized vans (greater than 2.0 to 2.5 tonnes) saw declines, falling by -20.5% to 275 units and -5.9% to 3,162 units respectively.
“With the zero-emission vehicle mandate for manufacturers now in place, the decline in registrations of battery electric vans last month is a concern," adds Denise. "In partnership with BVRLA, the AFP, RechargeUK and The Electric Café, we launched the Zero Emission Van Plan last month which calls for more decarbonisation support for van operators including a van accessible public chargepoint network, continued government support for acquisition incentives and more support for operators that need to increase energy supplies at depots. Without targeted support, van fleet operators will find it increasingly challenging to decarbonise their vehicles in time for the net zero deadlines.”
Published On: 14/03/2024 00:00:00
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News In Brief
Future policy framework for biomethane production - call for evidence
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) published a call for evidence seeking evidence on 29 February 2024 to support the development of policy to support biomethane after the Green Gas Support Scheme (GGSS) closes for applications on 31 March 2028.
The consultation will look at the potential design and scope of a future policy framework, the strategic role of biomethane production in achieving net zero and delivering energy security, costs and revenues associated with biomethane production from anaerobic digestion and its sustainability landscape, and how planning and permitting can act as enabling elements of a framework.
Members wishing to contribute to Logistics UK’s submission should contact Edward Jones at ejones@logistics.org.uk by (pls speak to Ed re his deadline)
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