Lessons learnt from the adoption of larger electric vans are highlighted by the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) in its response to the government’s eHGV consultation.

The industry body supports ending the sale of 26 tonne non-EV trucks by 2035 and vehicles over that weight by 2040. However, it says any new supply or demand-side regulatory frameworks will only succeed if infrastructure delivery keeps pace with vehicle supply.

Paul Hollick, AFP chair, said: “Government ambition should be accompanied by a credible eHGV infrastructure delivery plan, with particular attention to distribution network operator capacity and connection timescales. We need to especially learn lessons from the way infrastructure issues have played a part in the slow uptake of larger electric vans.

“We have also highlighted the value of shared depot charging – an idea the AFP has been promoting on a practical level – as an area where supportive policy, particularly around planning, access rights and metering arrangements, would accelerate infrastructure deployment for the smaller operators that make up the bulk of this sector.”

The AFP also believes the consultation shows limited understanding of UK operations when it comes to triple shifted fleets where 24-hour operations make charging more challenging, high volume distribution operators, oil terminals where EVs are not allowed, transport of dangerous goods, and local authorities applying differing rules for operations involving HGVs.

Paul said: “We urge the Government to engage more deeply with HGV fleet operators to better understand how workflows impact on vehicle selection and are managed in practice, how UK policy design can affect fleet operations, and how greater recognition of specific complexities such as cranes and gritters can impact the electrification journey.”

The AFP response was co-ordinated by the organisation’s new government affairs and policy lead Dale Eynon.

He said: “This year has already seen a number of important government consultations and, in addition to eHGVs, we have also prepared our response to proposals on electronic Vehicle Excise Duty after sounding out the views of our members.”