Electric Vehicle Report

Welcome to Logistics UK’s report on how vehicle operators are responding to the challenge of decarbonising their fleets by 2050. With support from members, we have explored the realities of introducing and operating commercial electric vehicles in the current landscape of rapidly changing technology, supply side constraints and economic challenges. Interviews were conducted between late 2022 and early 2023. These were with fleet operators who are utilising electric vehicles at scale at the moment, those who have begun to, or are planning to, introduce electric vehicles into their fleets, as well as those who have trialled electric vehicles and moved away and those who have concluded investment in electric vehicles is not yet right for them.

The electric commercial vehicle sector is still a small part of the total commercial vehicle parc, but uptake is increasing rapidly. Electrification may not be the answer for all commercial vehicle usages, but it is clear that for most vans and lighter HGVs it is a technology that will enable operators to meet the decarbonisation challenge in the short to medium term. With phase-out dates for new diesel and petrol cars and vans starting in 2030 in the UK, growing concerns about health issues connected to poor air quality and international, national and local regulation aimed at reaching net zero by 2050, our research clearly shows the logistics sector is fully aware of its responsibilities in meeting the challenges. UK logistics businesses are keen to invest in sustainable technology to help them meet national and international obligations and are working hard to understand the next steps for their journey to net zero. This is why we are calling for a fair transition to a green economy across the UK, and within urban areas, that enables businesses to develop and move to greener energy and fuels in a cost-efficient way, with partnerships on innovation, and charges that reflect the value that logistics delivers within communities. Together, we can deliver a more innovative, productive and green economy for communities throughout the country.
 

Click here for the full report