Plug-in Grant Extension for Vans and Trucks
Wednesday 16th March 2022
The Government have announced that the Plug-in grant scheme for electric vans and trucks has been extended for a further 2 years, a welcome provision following the cut to the Plug-in car grants earlier this year.
Existing grants have helped businesses purchase more than 26,000 electric vans and Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) across the UK since launching in 2012.
As well as the extension of the grants, the eligibility criteria will also be recategorised in the spring with a bigger focus on the heaviest and most polluting vehicles. From April 1, the criteria to claim the small truck grant of up to £16,000, will be increased from 3.5 tonnes to 4.25 tonnes, allowing drivers holding standard car driving licences to drive electric goods vans at a higher weight limit.
This takes into account the additional weight of electric vehicle batteries and makes it easier for businesses and drivers to make the switch. Vans up to 4.25 tonnes will be able to claim the large van grant of up to £5,000.
The move will also enable heavier and more costly trucks, up to 12 tonnes, to benefit from the higher grant funding.
When it comes to clean business, this government means business. We are backing a generation of green growth for our thriving fleet sector.
As demand for electric vehicles continues to grow at speed, this extension to our grant scheme will allow tens of thousands more vans to be purchased, transporting goods in a way which is kinder to our environment.
This will support our vital, ongoing work to clean up our air in towns and cities right across the country and build back greener.
Trudy Harrison
Transport Minister
With nearly 5% of the UK’s CO2 emissions currently coming from vans, Novuna Vehicle Solution's welcomes this news, as it is essential to support the government’s climate change and air quality commitments and we are at the forefront of support businesses with their transition to electric vans and trucks.