Government urged to help hauliers transition to EV technology

Unless the government steps in and helps the haulage sector decarbonise then its net zero plans will fail, according to Logistics UK.

It said a lack of fiscal support and an inadequate public charging network was stopping hauliers from investing in EV technology.

The business group said its members that use public charge points had expressed “significant frustration” at broken or inoperable chargers, or difficulty in finding any available space.

And it said that a lack of a meaningful scrappage scheme, acquisition costs on the rise and volatile energy prices meant a transition to electric trucks was an uphill battle that could not continue.

Logistics UK called for an EV charging and refuelling infrastructure roadmap to be prioritised by the government and a significantly accelerated rollout of charging infrastructure.

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“The lifecycle of a vehicle is carefully worked into any logistics business’ budget, to ensure continuity while keeping costs down,” said David Wells, Logistics UK CE.

“Our members should not be expected simply to write off the cost of any vehicles they operate – which could run to thousands of pounds for every operator: a supportive scrappage scheme should be in place to ensure that logistics businesses can stay on the roads without incurring further, punitive costs.”

Its call came as the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) urged the deputy mayor to address the need for electric commercial vehicle charging points across the capital.

The LCCI said that with an uptick in industry demand to transition away from fossil fuels, London needed a far greater number of EV charging points for CVs than currently envisaged.

It also said there appeared to be an expectation that emerging electric commercial vehicles would be charged primarily at company depots.

LCCI CEO Richard Burge said: “The government and city hall must work together to address the logistical issues which hinder an optimistic, profitable, and growing EV industry.

“Rising energy costs present challenges to commercial vehicles and a lack of EV charging points should not hinder the green growth momentum.”

James Watkins, LCCI head of policy said the focus on CV charging at depots may not reflect the realities in terms of the demands on drivers and the haulage industry: “This is especially true at a time when Londoners expect next day deliveries to homes and businesses due to the nature of e-commerce,” he added.

“Small and medium-sized businesses in outer London are already struggling with a short-turnaround time to switch to ULEZ compliant vehicles. Therefore, central and regional governments must create an environment that support an equitable but commercially viable and sustainable public charge point market.”