The Government is considering the possibility of relaxing its electrification target for the nation’s trucks…
Relaxing the EV Truck Target
The Government has stated that it recognises that not all truck operators will be able to transition to electric vehicles in 2035. As a consequence, it’s considering the possibility of revising its electrification targets for the vehicles. Following a consultation, it announced at COP26 that it’d end the sale of new, non-zero emission trucks (less than or equal to 26 tonnes) from 2035; will all non-zero emission HGVs following in 2040.
Now, however, the Government is trying to establish where HGVs and trucks could be exempt from the 2035 ban; possibly being given a reprieve until 2040. In particular, it’s noted that some vehicles carrying large or unusual loads require more power draw; also operating in remote or specialist environments. This means the EV technology required may not be up to the task by 2035, or as accessible as it’d need to be.
Wrong Vehicles, Wrong Time?
Trudy Harrison, the transport minister, elaborated on the Government’s position at the Logistics UK’s Future Logistics Conference. She said, “we should not impose change in the wrong place, on the wrong vehicle, on the wrong journey at the wrong time”.
Harrison also stated that the Government is spending £200 million on conducting electric HGV and truck trials. She said, “demonstrating the high performance of battery electric technology in demanding, real-world environments is critical to ensuring confidence continues to build within the industry around the future of zero emission trucks”.
It remains to be seen whether the 2035 will be changed. If it is, the move will almost certainly be criticised by environmentalist groups. Other critics, no doubt, will also point to how rapidly EV technology is advancing, and how prices are dropping. In which case, a revision of the date could be regarded as premature.
The Government Has Scrapped The Plug-In Car Grant – https://autoservefleet.co.uk/latest-news/the-government-has-scrapped-the-plug-in-car-grant/
EU Parliament Supports ICE Ban In 2035 – https://autoserve.co.uk/motoring-news/eu-parliament-supports-ice-ban-in-2035/