UK extends plug-in grant for vans and other ZEVs
To help businesses and private individuals switch to electric vans, they can receive up to 2,500 pounds in subsidies when buying a smaller van of up to 2.5 tons. Vans of up to 4.25 tons are eligible for as much as £5,000 in subsidies.
On top of extending the plug-in grant, the UK government is also aligning the licensing requirements for heavier electric vans with those of their lighter petrol and diesel equivalents. Specifically, it is “removing the requirement for additional training that is currently in place only for zero emission vans but not their petrol and diesel equivalents.”
That means that Standard category B licence holders can drive vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes – as long as they are zero-emission. For diesel- and petrol-powered vans, the cut-off is 3.5 tonnes. The additional five-hour training normally required to drive heavier vehicles will also be scrapped – again, as long as the vehicles are emission-free at the tailpipe.
The new rule is still subject to parliamentary approval and does not only apply to electric vans. It is also valid for minibuses, SUVs or any vehicles that would weigh less than 3.5 tonnes if they were diesel- or petrol-powered.
But back to the plug-in grant, because the extension does not only benefit van owners. Grants of up to £4,000 for taxi drivers switching to electric will also be extended for another year – as will the £500 grant for electric motorcycles. In addition, the upper limit for grants for plug-in wheelchair vehicles will be increased from 35,000 to 50,000 pounds.
“From van drivers and businesses to drivers with accessibility needs, bikers and cabbies, today we are making it easier, faster and cheaper for people to switch to electric vehicles,” said Lilian Greenwood, Future of roads minister. “By making the transition to zero emissions a success, we’re helping to drive growth all over the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets and rebuilding Britain to deliver our plan for change.”
The scheme was launched in 2012. According to the Department for Transport, “the Plug-in van grant has helped sell over 80,000 electric and zero-emission vans.” It was last extended in October 2022 until April 2025. The UK wants to phase out combustion engines by 2030.
FleetNews notes that the Department for Transport has pointed out that the scheme could come to an end before April 2026, as it will remain under review to deliver the “greatest value for money” for the taxpayer and “may close without notice”.
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