DfT has announced an extension of the plug-in van grant and additional funding for electric taxis, motorbikes, and wheelchair-accessible vehicles. The move aims to accelerate the country’s transition to zero-emission transport. The £120 million investment reinforces the government’s broader strategy to phase out fossil fuel-dependent vehicles and make electric alternatives more accessible.
Lilian Greenwood, Future of Roads Minister, confirmed the funding earlier this week, emphasizing that the plug-in van grant would remain in place for another year. The scheme already supports over 80,000 electric van purchases and provides subsidies for businesses and drivers looking to make the switch. In addition, the government is removing extra training requirements for electric vans, streamlining the adoption process, and reducing operational costs for fleet owners, says Sustainability Times.
Greenwood emphasized the importance of these measures in supporting businesses and drivers in making the transition to cleaner transport: “From van drivers and businesses to drivers with accessibility needs, bikers, and cabbies, today we are making it easier, faster, and cheaper for people to switch to electric vehicles.
“By making the transition to zero emissions a success, we’re helping to drive growth all over the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets, and rebuilding Britain to deliver our Plan for Change.”
The funding package also supports electric motorcycles, taxis, and accessibility vehicles, reinforcing the government’s commitment to making zero-emission transport viable across multiple sectors. Greenwood described the initiative as crucial in making EV adoption “easier, faster, and cheaper.”
This announcement comes as the UK sees record EV adoption rates, with over 382,000 electric cars sold in 2024, marking a 20% year-on-year increase. The growth of the second-hand EV market and the expansion of public charging infrastructure – now surpassing 74,000 charge points nationwide – further signal the accelerating shift toward clean transport.
