Venson urges swift rethink on ZEV targets for eLCVs.

Venson Automotive Solutions has joined the chorus of voices calling for immediate adjustments to the electric van targets outlined in the ZEV mandate. The mandate, which came into effect in early 2024, imposes annual targets on vehicle manufacturers for a certain percentage of new cars and vans to be zero-emission. Failure to meet these targets results in fines and penalties.

The current plan stipulates that 22% of new cars and 10% of new vans sold in Great Britain should be zero-emission this year. These numbers are expected to increase significantly to 80% for cars and 70% for vans by 2030, reaching 100% for both by 2035.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has raised concerns about the slow progress in transitioning to electric vans. Despite the mandate, only 5.9% of new electric vans were sold in 2023, with the figure dropping to 5.3% for the first nine months of 2024.

Recently, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and 12 major vehicle manufacturers penned a letter to the Chancellor, urging the government to implement measures to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles by consumers and businesses. Their suggestions include extending the Plug-in Van Grant beyond 2025, establishing equal VAT rates for public and home charging, and setting infrastructure targets to support users without home charging capabilities.

Venson has echoed these sentiments, highlighting the need for a revision of the electric van targets to align with the practical challenges faced by fleet operators. Simon Staton, Client Management Director at Venson, emphasised the discrepancy between the mandate’s quotas and the operational realities of introducing electric vans into fleets.

According to Staton, the current electric light commercial vehicles (eLCVs) may not always meet the demands of business operations due to limitations in payload capacity, mileage range, and charging infrastructure. Transitioning to electric vans prematurely would require extensive planning and negotiations within businesses, potentially impacting operational efficiency and necessitating changes in working practices.

Additionally, Venson has called for government action to address longstanding barriers hindering the use of heavier electric vans weighing 4.25 tonnes. While these vehicles benefit from exceptions that allow individuals with a standard Category B driving licence to operate them, they are still subjected to regulations primarily designed for heavy goods vehicles. These regulations, such as speed restrictions and driving hour limitations, significantly impact the efficiency of operations.

In conclusion, Staton underlines the importance of having the right vehicles, pricing structures, and a cohesive strategy from the government to tackle the regulatory challenges associated with managing commercial fleets. While there is potential for improvement in the UK e-van market in the medium to long term, the current landscape presents significant hurdles that cannot be overlooked.