Speeding towards a future of zero emission vehicles

As the UK looks to speed up its production of zero emission vehicles for a greener future, the world's most powerful countries have come together in a bid to tackle climate change. 

The 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties - more commonly referred to as COP26 - was held from 31st October to 13th November 2021 at the SEC Centre in Glasgow, Scotland.

Every industry in the economy is held under the spotlight and a strategy developed to determine its part in improving climate change. The future of road transport and automotive was the subject of much discussion and a number of pledges and commitments have been made to help achieve climate change goals.

The COP26 declaration has been further supported by the UK Government’s own Net Zero Strategy, which we explore in more detail below... 

What is the COP26 declaration?

Statistics show that road transport around the world accounts for 10% of all global emissions. The population is growing fast and so too are toxic pollutants caused by traffic, so changes need to be made. 

The COP26 declaration on zero emission cars and vans is a global agreement to signal the end of polluting vehicles across the world. It explores the opportunities to further accelerate the transition to 100% zero emission cars and vans. 

Launched on World Transport Day on the 10th November 2021, the signed declaration confirms all national governments are committed to working towards 100% zero emission vehicle sales by 2035. 

What is the UK Government’s Net Zero Strategy?

The Net Zero Strategy outlines the UK Government’s plans for a more sustainable future of living. GOV.UK - the official UK government website - has published its plans to dramatically reduce our vehicle emissions. The key pledges are:

• Zero emission targets will be set for automotive manufacturers by 2024. 
• The sale of new petrol and diesel cars, and vans, will be banned from 2030.
• All new cars and vans must have zero tailpipe emissions from the year 2035.
• All new vehicles such as motorcycles, buses and HGVs will be expected to have zero tailpipe emissions too (subject to further consultation) from the year 2040. 

How is the automotive industry playing its part in climate change?

Between the COP26 declaration and the UK Government's Net Zero Strategy, a sizeable shift to zero emission vehicles is already well underway. In a bid to drastically reduce toxic pollutants in our air, each country has agreed to its own Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) target.

There are already around 8.5 million ZEVs on the roads which together represent about 41% of the global passenger vehicle market. It’s taking a lot longer for electric vans to become commercially available in comparison to electric cars, but in the last couple of years, the electric van market has really taken off. 

How will the UK support production of electric vehicles?

The UK Government has committed to invest a significant amount of money into the production of electric vehicles to support the transition from petrol and diesel fuelled cars and vans, to a future of ZEVs.

£620 million has already been allocated to support the ongoing transition to electric vehicles across the country and an additional £73.5 million investment will support the manufacture of EV batteries.

To support the increase of electric vehicles expected on our roads within the coming years, plans are being introduced to ensure the UK’s charging infrastructure network is able to cope. 

What funding is available towards the purchase of an electric van?

The good news is that new electric vans in the UK are eligible for a plug-in vehicle grant, thanks to funding provided by the government to manufacturers and dealerships. Of course the discounted amount depends on the type of electric van purchased, these are divided into two categories:

Small vans

Small vans are identified as vehicles less than 2,500kg gross weight, have less than 50g/km of CO2 emissions and can travel at least 60 miles without emitting any emissions at all. 

Vans in this category are eligible for a grant equalling 35% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of £3,000. Small vans to benefit from an electric vehicle manufacturer grant are:

• Citroën e-Berlingo
• Maxus eDeliver 3 (short wheel base variants)
• Nissan e-NV200
• Peugeot e-Partner
• Renault Kangoo E-Tech
• Renault Zoe Van
• Toyota Proace City Electric
• Vauxhall Combo-e

Large vans

Large vans are identified as vehicles between 2,500kg and 3,500kg gross weight, have less than 50g/km of CO2 emissions and can travel at least 60 miles without emitting any emissions at all. 

Vans in this category are eligible for a grant equalling 35% of the purchase price, up to a maximum of £6,000. Large vans to benefit from an electric vehicle manufacturer grant are:

• BD Auto eTraffic
• BD Auto eDucato (3.5 tonnes)
• Citroën e-Dispatch
• Fiat e-Ducato
• LEVC VN5
• MAN eTGE
• Maxus eDeliver 3 
• Maxus eDeliver 9
• Mercedes-Benz eVito
• Mercedes eSprinter
• Peugeot e-Expert
• Renault Master E-Tech (3.1 and 3.5 tonnes)
• Renault Trucks Master E-Tech
• Toyota Proace Electric
• Vauxhall Vivaro-e
• Volkswagen ABT e-Transporter
• LDV EV80

Did you know that you can also get up to £350 off the cost of installing an electric vehicle charger at home, courtesy of the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme? Just one more reason to invest in a zero emission vehicle!

Discover electric vans at Loads of Vans

Begin your EV journey at Loads of Vans in North Cheam, Surrey and accelerate into a greener future of travel. We supply high quality new and used vans to businesses across the UK, so why not discover our van-tastic selection of electric vans currently in stock.

We’re part of the Wilsons group - a family-run business that has grown to become one of the largest dealerships in the South of England. Find us at 730-736 London Road in North Cheam, Epsom. Don’t delay, visit us today!