Over 40 businesses, including big names like Ocado, the AA and Openreach, have urged London Mayor Sadiq Khan to reconsider plans to extend the congestion charge to electric vans starting Christmas Day 2025. They argue that this move will hinder the slow adoption of electric vans, with only 5.9% of new vans sold in 2023 being electric. The businesses, backed by environmental groups, say the current system, in which they pay a small fee for each vehicle to be exempt from the charge, was crucial in their decision to invest in electric fleets, and ending this exemption will create significant financial burdens for them.
The businesses warn that ending the exemption could lead to a heavy cost of £5,500 per vehicle per year for those that have already shifted away from diesel, potentially harming both the health of Londoners and the city’s economy. They also highlight the challenges of electric van ownership, including higher upfront costs and charging difficulties due to size constraints.
Clean Cities reports that electric van sales in the UK lag behind countries like the Netherlands, where zero-emission zones are being established. The lack of enthusiasm for electric vans in the UK is also attributed to factors such as high prices and limited charging infrastructure.
The Mayor’s office acknowledges the concerns raised by businesses regarding electric vans and is exploring ways to support them in transitioning to cleaner vehicles. They also mention ongoing initiatives to reduce emissions in London, such as freight consolidation and promoting cargo bike deliveries, as well as working with the government on national measures to incentivize electric vehicle adoption.
Source
Photo credit www.theguardian.com