Government must invest in charging infrastructure for electric vans
The Freight Transport Association has warned that switching deliveries to electric vehicles will only work if their price is reduced and the correct, supporting infrastructure in provided.
This view comes as the government launched its Clean Van Commitment, which encourages manufacturers to increase investment in electric vehicles, this week. FTA believes, that in order for this work, the government must support business in switching its vehicles to electrically powered ones.
“The Clean Van Commitment sends a strong signal to the industry: green van fleets are in demand and both drivers and operators are willing to switch to lower-emission models,” said FTA policy manager for vans and urban transport Denise Beedell. However, “to achieve significant breakthrough across the industry, there must be more commitment and support from government.”
Beedell continued: “There is currently insufficient charging infrastructure in place for electric vehicles to be adopted on such a large scale. And with the higher price of electric models, and no incentive to switch from conventionally fuelled vehicles, there has to be more work done to ensure it is an affordable and realistic option for businesses of all sizes.”