The challenges facing fleets in the switch to zero-emission vans will be discussed in Parliament next week – and operators are being urged to contact their MP to request they attend the debate.

Fleet operators are urged to contact their MP to request they attend the debate

Members of Parliament will debate the topic of the zero-emission van transition on Tuesday 29 October, with the Transport Minister in attendance and required to provide a formal response.

The debate has been raised by Sarah Edwards MP after industry representatives from the BVRLA spotlighted major concerns about the zero-emission vans transition at last month’s Labour Party Conference.

Vehicle registration data from the SMMT shows adoption of zero-emission vans is not growing at the rate required to meet the terms of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.

The mandate was introduced in January and requires OEMs to reach a target for 10% of new van registrations in 2024 to be for models with zero emissions at the tailpipe.

But latest registration figures show that zero-emission LCVs up to 4.25 tonnes only accounted for 5.2% of the market in September and 5.3% for the first nine months of the year.

Fundamental barriers are preventing adoption and need urgent attention, according to the Zero Emission Van Plan.

The coalition, which includes the BVRLA, Logistics UK, the REA and its EV forum Recharge UK, the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), and the EV Café, launched the Zero Emission Van Plan campaign in February and are calling for key changes to electric van affordability, vehicle charging and regulations.

A spokesperson for the Zero Emission Van Plan, said: “The ZEV mandate has been introduced to stimulate supply, but demand is lagging. Many van operators want to make the switch but are met by electric LCVs that are too expensive and struggle to cope with their operational needs, particularly when it comes to charging.

“The Zero Emission Van Plan is clear. For the transition to work, we need increased fiscal support, improved charging and the removal of regulatory barriers. While many fleets are making the switch and seeing early success, the majority are unable to adopt greener vehicles due to the financial and operational sacrifices that are required.”

Fleet operators and industry stakeholders are being encouraged to write to their local MP to request that they attend the debate and show their support for the sector.

Stakeholders can write to their MP directly via the quick-and-easy tool on the BVRLA website: https://www.bvrla.co.uk/industry-campaigns/decarbonisation/van-plan.html.