Government Policies and Regulations for UK Electric Vans 

UK electric vans are an integral part of the UK Government’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. We are all experiencing the effects of climate change, and there is a global initiative to cut greenhouse gas emissions to as close to zero as possible within the next twenty-seven years. 
Research done in 2021 shows that transport was responsible for 25% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions. Maxus is committed to providing cleaner, greener, and more sustainable transport solutions for the light commercial vehicle industry with our electric van range. 

Understanding Regulations for Electric Vans in the UK 

In November 2020, the UK Government announced that the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans would be phased out by 2030. They also want all new cars and vans to have fully zero emissions at the tailpipe by 2035. However, in September 2023, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak delayed the ban on diesel and petrol car and van sales until 2035.     
Since the mass use of electric vehicles (EVs) is new to the UK transport landscape, the relevant EV regulations and policies also constantly adapt to the new reality. The government published new regulations governing public charge points as recently as July 2023, and discussions around the rules regulating the operation of heavier electric vans are ongoing. It would be good business practice to keep abreast of the ever-changing EV regulations in the UK if you are converting to electric vans.    

Current Government Incentives for Electric Vans

The government provides several incentives for businesses converting to electric vans in the UK. Electric vehicles (excluding hybrid vehicles) are exempt from vehicle tax, but you will pay vehicle excise duty from 2025. A plug-in van grant (PIVG) was launched in 2012 to assist with bridging the gap between the cost of ultra-low emission vans and diesel vans, and in 2016, it was extended to include a plug-in truck grant (PITrG). 

Customers don’t have to apply to receive this grant. It is automatically deducted from the vehicle price at the point of sale. Vans and trucks must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the plug-in grant, and we are proud to say that our Maxus eDeliver 3 and Maxus eDeliver 9 ranges, as well as our Maxus T90 pick-up vehicle, are eligible.

Impact of Electric Vans on Sustainability Goals 

Statistics from the Department for Transport (DfT) show that in 2020, light vans emitted the third most greenhouse gas emissions after heavy goods vehicles. Cars and taxis had the highest emissions, at more than 50%. It is clear that businesses need to change to electric vans if the UK wants to reach its climate change United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG).

The first benefit of converting to electric vans is the improvement of air quality due to zero exhaust emissions at the street level. Other benefits include reduced noise pollution and improved air quality. The reality is that electric vehicles (EVs) will never truly reach zero emissions as they emit particulate matter from brakes, tyres, and road wear. Then there are the emissions that result from the vehicle’s manufacturing process.

Navigating Compliance with Electric Vehicle Regulations  

If you are worried about complying with electric vehicle regulations, look no further than Maxus. We offer a range of commercial electric vehicles, such as our eDeliver 3, eDeliver 7, and eDeliver 9 vans. When you are in the business of transporting people or need a pick-up, consider our T90EV electric pick-up and MIFA9, a seven-seater SUV electric passenger vehicle. Maxus provides vehicles for SMEs and large fleets that we can convert to meet your specific industry, cargo, and passenger needs.  

Our vehicles meet all European commercial vehicle collision design standards, and our Intelligence Onboard solution will help you understand how your EVs are driven. Real-time data also provides you with information on the live state of charge, charging data, energy used, and more.    

Maxus Electric Vehicles come with a five-year vehicle warranty and an eight-year warranty on the high-voltage battery. We also offer nationwide breakdown assistance, service, and repairs. Take your sustainability commitments to another level with Maxus UK electric vans. Contact us today for more information!