If the logistics sector is to effectively decarbonise in line with the government’s 2050 net zero deadline more support will be needed to enable operators to do so, according to a new report by business group Logistics UK.
The organisation’s Electric Vehicle Report 2023 demonstrates that factors including a lack of fiscal support and an inadequate public charging network are having a significant impact on the confidence of operators to invest in electric vehicles.
“This must be designed in collaboration with operators, backed with clear guidance and incentives for local authorities. A significantly accelerated rollout of public charging infrastructure that is fully accessible to commercial vehicles, with clear milestones for minimum levels of suitable chargepoint provision across the country, must be an urgent priority for government if our industry is to meet its net zero priorities by 2050.”
The cost and availability of new electric vehicles is also a concern for the logistics sector, with long order deadlines and no viable scrappage schemes putting heavy cost burdens on businesses, particularly SMEs.
“The lifecycle of a vehicle is carefully worked into any logistics business’ budget, to ensure continuity while keeping costs down. 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.”