The National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA) said it supported van manufacturers’ calls for a short moratorium of the ZEV mandate amid concerns that ambitious net-zero targets will not be met.
The Department for Transport launched a consultation on 24 December seeking industry input on supporting the transition to zero emissions; on the same day, the government also launched a consultation seeking views on proposals to reduce regulatory burdens for businesses operating zero emission vans.
The government has come under pressure to address targets after van builder Stellantis announced in November it was looking to close its Luton plant in response to the costs associated with observing the UK’s ZEV mandate.
It had already warned that UK production might stop altogether without more government support for the transition to electric vehicles.
NFDA CE Sue Robinson said: “Year-to-date figures for 2024 reveal that electric vans account for just 5.8% of the market share, a decline of 0.1% compared to the same period in 2023, and well below the 10% target set by the mandate.
“This is particularly concerning as fines for non-compliant vans are set to double from £9,000 to £18,000 in 2025, alongside the mandate percentage increasing to 16%.”
She added: “The government must prioritise incentivising van customers during the transition to electric, recognising that their needs differ from those of car buyers.
“If the government continues to enforce unrealistic ZEV targets and penalties for vans, manufacturers will reduce the supply of diesel light commercials, which will harm the UK economy. This could also lead to the unintended consequence of older, polluting vans being repeatedly repaired to stay on the roads, further damaging air quality.”
The consultation closes on 3 March.
