Electric vehicles see £200million funding boost to slash petrol and diesel use
Drivers could receive up to £25,000 off the price of a large truck
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The Government has announced a major £200million investment into decarbonising transport and boosting the number of electric vehicles on the road.
Heavy goods vehicles are a massive source of pollution and contribute 20 per cent of all transport emissions across the UK.
In response to this, the Government will launch a huge funding boost across four “innovative green projects”.
It is estimated that this will help roll out up to 370 zero emission HGVs and help the road freight industry continue toward its goal of reaching net zero.
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The investment will also go towards the development of almost 60 refuelling and electric vehicle charging sites around the UK.
Roads Minister Richard Holden said the Government was working hard to drive innovation and grow the economy.
He added: “Freight and logistics are the beating heart of our economy and it is only right that we celebrate the sector so that it gets the recognition and support it deserves.”
Some of the funding will help benefit major supermarket chains like Sainsbury’s and Marks & Spencer to lower emissions and prevent price rises by avoiding fluctuating petrol and diesel prices.
Another company receiving funding is Voltempo, whose eFREIGHT 2030 project will create up to 200 new jobs in Birmingham before the end of the decade.
Jesse Norman, Minister for Decarbonisation, said: “The UK is at the forefront of the global transition to net zero and today marks another important milestone to decarbonise freight, one of the economy’s most vital industries.
“That’s why I’m pleased to reveal that we’re investing £200million to roll out 370 zero emission trucks, and a further £2.4million to pioneer green tech through the Freight Innovation Fund, as we work closely with the sector to create new jobs, grow the economy and reach net zero by 2050.”
Drivers can receive a £16,000 grant for a small truck between 4,350kg and 12,000kg that can travel at least 60 miles without producing any emissions.
Those looking for larger trucks can receive a maximum discount of £25,000 for a vehicle over 12,000kg to have CO2 emissions of at least 50 per cent less than an equivalent Euro 6 vehicle.
While these grants are helping people switch, they only have a certain number of vehicles to choose from, with just two small trucks and five large trucks on the market.
Indro Mukerjee, CEO of Innovate UK, said: “As the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK is committed to supporting innovative UK businesses working to decarbonise the UK’s road freight industry.
“Together with the Department for Transport (DfT), the £200million in Government funding will develop world-leading battery and hydrogen trucks and demonstrate, at a large scale, creating greener jobs and boosting our net zero economy.”
This follows a £100million funding boost in November last year which aimed to improve HGV roadside facilities for motorists.
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It is estimated that the funding will help roll out up to 370 zero emission HGVs
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The money can be used to improve security measures and increase the number of welfare facilities like showers, rest areas and restaurants.
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