Slow grid connections blocking EV investment
Electrifying commercial vehicles is critical to the UK’s net zero ambitions, but a lack of grid connections is blocking EV investment.
According to new analysis from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), there are now around 5.1 million vans and 626,000 trucks on UK roads.
Although this is just 14% of the UK car parc, commercial vehicles are responsible for more than a third of all road transport CO2 and almost an eighth (12%) of the UK’s carbon footprint.
The SMMT calculates that replacing the UK’s CV fleet with net zero models would deliver a CO2 savings greater than the total carbon footprint of Sweden.
Depot charging
However, fleets will only go electric when they have affordable energy, access to depot charging and national access to charging facilities suitable for larger vehicles. The SMMT believes that the fact companies face wait times of up 15 years for grid connections is the biggest barrier to EV adoption.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “We cannot deliver net zero and improve air quality without decarbonising commercial vehicles. But if operators have to wait up to 15 years just to be able to plug them into their depots, there is no case for investment.
“Prioritising grid connections, alongside reform to planning and action on energy costs, would reduce barriers to adoption, ensuring commercial vehicles continue to carry the loads that keep our economy on the move whilst doing the heavy lifting the nation needs to reach net zero.”
