The UK is behind schedule on its plans to phase out the sale of new ICE commercial vehicles, according to members of the UK’s British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).

For vans, 93% of respondents say the nation is behind schedule on the ICE phase-out

The association’s latest Industry Outlook survey found an overwhelming 93% of respondents said the nation was falling behind on its target to phase out the sales of new ICE vans by 2030.

Similarly, 88% of members think the UK is behind schedule on its phase-out targets for HGVs. The Government confirmed in June 2022 that all new HGV vehicles on its roads must be zero-emission by 2040, following a consultation, while HGVs weighing 26 tonnes and under must be phased out five years earlier, in 2035.

Rather tellingly, no respondents believe that the UK is ahead of schedule for the respective targets for vans or HGVs.

BVRLA members own and operate a combined fleet of 90,000 trucks and 826,000 vans and buy more than half of new commercial vehicles sold each year.

The association will spotlight the roadmap for electric and hydrogen commercial vehicles at its Fleets in Charge Conference, taking place in London on Wednesday 20 September.

The full-day event will include the ‘Great Freight Debate’, which will see a panel of commercial vehicle experts provide insights to support those working with HGVs and developing vehicle transition strategies.

Panellists include senior representatives from First Hydrogen, Ford Motor Company and Tevva Motors. Together, they will tackle the current phase-out deadlines for ICE vans and trucks and how infrastructure needs to move forward effectively.

As the countdown to the launch of the UK’s zero emission vehicle mandate continues, a senior Government official will also outline the upcoming policy milestones that can be expected in the run-up to the phase-out deadlines.

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “The fleet sector has always led the way in adopting new technologies and bringing cleaner, greener vehicles to our roads. The diverse nature of the commercial vehicle sector means that there is no silver bullet when it comes to decarbonisation. A range of solutions are required to meet what are often unique use cases.

“Our Fleets in Charge Conference will bring policymakers, vehicle manufacturers, service providers and end users together under one roof. We will look at the successes achieved to date and shine a spotlight on the future strategies that will bring further progress.”

Full details of the Conference are available online: https://fleetsincharge.co.uk/ and tickets are available to buy online now.

Official partners for Fleets in Charge in 2023 are the AA, Arval UK, Auto Trader, Dynamon, Fleet Assist and Mina.