The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced a year-long extension to its Plug-in van grant in order to aid businesses in their transition to zero emission alternatives.
The extension will allow businesses and van drivers to claim grants of up to 2,500 GBP when purchasing small vans weighing up to 2.5 tonnes, and up to 5,000 GBP when purchasing larger vans up to 4.25 tonnes.
Formally announced by Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, on 25 February, the department has also stated it will be removing additional training requirements specially introduced for zero emission vans currently not enforced for petrol and diesel equivalents.
Thus far, the Plug-in van grant has aided in the sale of more than 80,000 electric and zero emission vans since its launch, with a further 120 million GBP now pledged toward the scheme’s extension.
The scheme forms part of a 2.3 billion GBP fund to aid provide support for industry and consumers looking to make the switch to electric vehicles (EVs), which also includes support for bikers and electric wheelchair users.
The department has also committed to an extension to support for taxi drivers, making 4,000 GBP available to those looking to purchase a zero emission black cab.
Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said:From van drivers and businesses, to drivers with accessibility needs, bikers and cabbies, today we are making it easier, faster and cheaper for people to switch to electric vehicles.
By making the transition to zero emissions a success, we’re helping to drive growth all over the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets and rebuilding Britain to deliver our Plan for Change.
News of the scheme’s extension comes following reports showing that there were over 382,000 electric cars sold in 2024, an increase of a fifth over the amount sold in 2023.
