The £56 million funding announced yesterday by government to increase the provision of electric vehicle charge points must create provision for commercial vehicles, according to business group Logistics UK.
This will be necessary if the industry is to hasten its transfer to Net Zero, said Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK, Denise Beedell.
“Figures released in October 2022 by the Department for Transport showed the total number of public EV chargepoints in the UK reached 34,637. However, the UK Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy report, published in 2022, notes that government has predicted the UK will require at least 300,000 charge points by 2030,” she said.
“So, while this funding – which will be used to expanding the current Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure pilot and deliver an additional 2,400 chargepoints to the 3,000 chargepoint already installed through the On-Street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) – is a much-needed step forwards on the route to Net Zero, the charging requirements of the commercial vehicle sector must be factored into any developments.”
She added, “Local authorities must ensure that any new public EV chargepoint installation and infrastructure provides adequate electric vehicle charging infrastructure with sufficient space for use by commercial vehicles.
“An immediate uplift in the number of public chargepoints that can be used by battery electric vans and a recognition of the future needs of battery electric trucks, is vital to give the logistics sector the confidence to invest in zero emission at the tailpipe vehicles.”
Logistics UK has as new portfolio of Electric/Hybrid Vehicle Training courses covering safety awareness, preparing the vehicle for repairs and carrying out system repairs and component replacements.
The safety awareness online course is now live on Logistics UK’s website and is designed to support members as the transition to electric and hybrid vehicles continues to accelerate.
The decarbonisation agenda remains a significant focus for operators, and it is imperative that their safety continues to take priority. The introductory half-day online safety awareness course is mapped to the IMI Level 1 Award in Electric/Hybrid Vehicle qualification content and will enable learners to continue to work safely within their role following the transition.
This webinar will benefit professional drivers, fleet managers, vehicle sales/hire company personnel who operate Public Service Vehicles, Heavy Goods Vehicles, Fleets or Light Commercial Vehicles.
The move to electric vehicles is well underway, and while much focus has been placed on ensuring the correct infrastructure is in place, it is also vital that safety is considered. Logistics UK is thrilled to offer these courses which will include expert advice and training conducted from highly qualified and quality-assured engineers.
David Jordan, Deputy Operations Director – Services at Logistics UK, went on, “With Logistics UK’s engineering technical training, your organisation will benefit from industry’s best by ensuring your vehicles remain safe and cost effective.
“These brand-new courses will introduce the knowledge of safe working practices, the dangers surrounding electric/hybrid vehicles, and the precautions required to avoid potential injury when near these types of vehicles. Logistics UK hopes that providing these courses will help reduce the safety risk when working with these vehicles.”
