Logistics UK joins the Minister for the Future of Roads Lilian Greenwood to discuss EV transition

Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood recently met with the BVRLA and representatives from commercial vehicle members and stakeholders to discuss the role the government can play in supporting the electric van transition.

Chaired by the BVRLA and attended by representatives from the UK’s leading fleet operators, trade associations, and government departments, the round table explored the unique solutions that are required to support the van sector specifically.

The 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 today’s 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 zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. There was a genuine sense of positivity in the room, and a shared commitment to help take the sector forward.”

Michelle Gardner, Deputy Director – Policy, said: “It was great to meet with the Minister for the Future of Roads and so many fellow stakeholders from the industry to discuss the challenges and solutions specific to the van sector regarding EV transition.

“Logistics UK members remain fully committed to decarbonising, but significant barriers are preventing many of our members from being able to adopt zero tailpipe emission vans.

“Overall, many members lack confidence that zero tailpipe emission vans are currently commercially and operationally viable to adopt into their fleets. This presents a significant challenge as the ZEV mandate targets increase significantly in the coming years. It is critical government works closely with the logistics industry to understand concerns, address barriers and give operators more confidence to invest.

“The round table with Ms Greenwood was very positive, allowing us to discuss everything from infrastructure needs to regulatory barriers.”  

Across sessions looking at what more the government can do to support zero-emission van uptake, and the emerging challenges affecting fleets, the wide-ranging discussion reinforced many of the key asks as published in the Zero Emission Van Plan.

The Van Plan is a joint campaign by the BVRLA, Logistics UK, RECHARGE UK, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) and The EV Café.

Related content: Catherine Bowen from BVRLA takes The Green Miles' nine question challenge: 

Published On: 23/05/2025 13:25:16

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