More incentives needed for electric van switch, warns AFP

The Department for Transport (DfT) confirmed that it is ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, with hybrids to be sold until 2035. Vans with an internal combustion engine (ICE) will be allowed to be sold until 2035, alongside full hybrids and plug-in hybrid light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

Paul Hollick, chair of trade body the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), said: “From a fleet industry point of view, the big news here concerns vans. While electrification of the company car parc has its difficulties – notably around poor residual values – van electrification is proving much more problematic, with many operators finding current vehicles simply unsuitable for their needs in terms of range, payload and cost.”

Hollick said the new revisions create a degree of breathing space, with diesel and hybrid vans available until 2035.

But he added: “This looks like a more realistic timeframe that will allow ongoing development of new vehicles and a process of adaptation by fleets. However, there still needs to be material, effective incentives for operators to make the transition to electric vans over time, otherwise there is a possibility we are simply kicking the can down the road.”

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