Labour has unveiled a major update for specific vehicle types by extending their eligibility for Government funding by an additional year.
The Government revealed that it will be extending the plug-in truck grant for another year, offering fleets up to £25,000 off an electric truck.
It comes after the plug-in van grant was also extended until April 2026, with fleets able to benefit from up to £5,000 off an electric van.
Both cash incentives were due to end this April, but following an announcement by Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood, this is no longer the case.
Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailingmotoring@gbnews.uk
From today, the plug-in truck grant will be extended for a further year
PA/GETTY
Today, Greenwood shared on the social media platform, X,that the Government's help towards the purchase price of a plug-in truck will continue until April 2026.
She shared: "News alert. We’re extending our Plug-in Truck Grant for another year, making it cheaper to buy a zero-emission truck and make the switch.
"On top of £200million to roll out ZE trucks & charging infrastructure – supporting jobs & securing our future through our Plan For Change."
The extension comes at a crucial time as millions of drivers face cost hikes from today, with electric car owners hit particularly hard, paying both Vehicle Excise Duty and Expensive Car Supplement for the first time.
Don't Miss
Chris Ashley, senior policy lead at the Road Haulage Association, said: "We welcome the extension of the plug-in grant for trucks for another year. However, additional financial support will be needed to help operators to decarbonise viably.
"Key to this is ensuring stable residual values that allow finance to be offered on favourable terms. We are working with the Green Finance Institute to develop options that address this."
According to the Department for Transport, more than 20 zero emission trucks are eligible for the grant.
To be eligible for a grant, the vehicle must be heavier than 12,000kg, have CO2 emissions of at least 50 per cent less than the equivalent conventional Euro 6 vehicle that can carry the same capacity and must be able to travel at least 60 miles without any emissions.
Most Read
Meanwhile, small trucks, which will also see grants extended, can apply for a maximum discount of £16,000 in a bid to increase the rollout of more electric vehicles.
However, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has previously urged Labour to overhaul its plug-in truck grant as models only became eligible for funding after undertaking an approval process which can take around two years to complete.
In February, the Government confirmed that the department is extending the Plug-in van grant for another year to help van drivers and businesses transition to zero emission vehicles.
The extension meant that businesses and van drivers would be able to receive grants up to £2,500 when buying small vans up to 2.5 tonnes and up to £5,000 for larger vans up to 4.25 tonnes.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
- Car finance scandal could see British drivers miss out on billions in compensation as proposals 'go too far'
- Rachel Reeves kicks off 'Awful April' with new £425 'luxury' car tax hikes penalising millions - 'Unfair'
- Police forced to spend £2.2million on repairs as 'vandals' target emergency vehicles - 'Likely much worse'
Drivers can also apply for up to £5,000 in grants for electric vans
GETTYThe Plug-in van grant has helped sell over 80,000 electric and zero emission vans since its launch, as the government continues to back businesses all over the country.
Greenwood said: "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."
