The move is expected to support the purchase of tens of thousands of greener vans and trucks and will help make the UK less reliant on imports of foreign oil, improving the security of its energy supply and reducing the nation’s vulnerability to volatile global energy prices.

Last year, industry figures showed the UK had the highest number of plug-in electric vans sold in Europe and there were around four times as many grant applications compared to 2020.

Existing grants have supported the purchase of more than 26,000 electric vans and heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) across the UK since the programme launched in 2012.

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said, “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.”

As well as the extension to grant schemes, the government has also announced it will continue to allow drivers holding standard car driving licences to drive electric goods vans at a higher weight limit, up to 4.25 tonnes compared to a 3.5 tonne limit for diesel vans. This takes into account the additional weight of electric vehicle batteries and makes it easier for businesses and drivers to make the switch.

From 1 April, 2022 the threshold to claim the small truck grant of up to £16,000 will be increased from 3.5 tonnes to 4.25 tonnes. Vans up to 4.25 tonnes will be able to claim the large van grant of up to £5,000.

For more information, or to apply for a grant, click here.

Photo: Transport Minister Trudy Harrison MP.