Matthew Dillon, Head of Commercial Vehicles at Ayvens, welcomed the Government’s extension of the Plug-in Van Grant to April 2026.
“The Government’s confirmation of a one-year extension to the Plug-In Van Grant (PiVG) is a positive step, reinforcing the crucial role financial incentives play in helping commercial vehicle fleets transition to zero-emission alternatives, ” he said.
Another welcome announcement is the removal of the additional driver training hours required to operate heavier alternative-fuelled vehicles (AFVs). This is a step in the right direction, addressing some of the uncertainty in the industry and giving fleet operators greater confidence to explore the operational capabilities of electric commercial vehicles up to 4.25 tonnes.
However, while these announcements demonstrate important progress, many fleet operators may still wait for further clarity following the consultation. In particular, clear guidance on MOT requirements for 4.25-tonne AFVs, as well as the associated costs and administrative implications, will be essential to ensure widespread adoption.
Other challenges also remain, including vehicle availability, payload constraints, and the need for greater investment in infrastructure. However, the grant extension sends a strong signal to fleet operators running the UK’s most mission-critical fleets that the Government is committed to supporting their decarbonisation efforts.
As fleet decarbonisation is happening in gradual stages, businesses must adopt EVs where feasible while also exploring ways to improve journey efficiency and minimise downtime.
