Road to Zero News

More than 50,000 new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) joined UK roads in a bumper March for fleet renewal. More businesses upgraded to the latest models than in any other month during the past three years, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers (SMMT).

As EV adoption continues to progress across the industry, it is crucial that members’ staff develop knowledge to effectively support customers in the adoption of electric vehicles.

Leading fleet operators will discuss critical aspects of the zero-emission transition during the ‘Fleet Takeover’ session at this year’s Fleets in Charge Conference. Charging infrastructure will be among the topics on the agenda as the experts share what others can learn from their experiences.

The Zero Emission Van Plan was represented at the Department for Transport today (Tuesday 2 April) as coalition partners attended a round table with transport minister Anthony Browne MP. The session explored the barriers being faced by van operators looking to adopt cleaner vehicles and outlined where the minister and his department can introduce positive changes.

The BVRLA’s annual Fleets in Charge Conference boasts an agenda brimming with insights from EV leaders, a look at ZEV Mandate targets and a survival guide for fleets. Members can secure their spot with the ‘Early Bird’ ticket rate while it lasts.

The BVRLA’s ‘Driven By You’ training courses allow members to schedule training on a date and time that suits them and their people. Volvo UK was a recent recipient of this targeted approach, helping colleagues gain confidence in achieving their personal development goals.

EV advocacy group FairCharge has published the ‘Little Book of EV Myths’, aiming to address and correct 21 common misconceptions about EVs. The digital book provides factual rebuttals to widespread myths such as the belief that EVs catch fire more frequently than combustion engine vehicles, or that mining for battery metals is more environmentally damaging than extracting and burning oil.

A review of the current role of local authorities in charging infrastructure provision will be included as part of the EV Infrastructure Summit next month. Also showcasing the next generation of smart and efficient charging points, the event is being held at KPMG Canary Wharf, London on 9 April 2024.

A fifth local authority has committed to empowering the electric vehicle transition, with Suffolk County Council the latest to sign the BVRLA’s Fleet Friendly Charging Pledge.

An early bird ticket rate is now available for the BVRLA’s flagship Fleets in Charge Conference on 10 July, returning to the QEII Conference Centre in London.

The race against the clock presented by the introduction of the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate was top of the agenda when Central Contracts welcomed their local MP to their head office. Forming part of the BVRLA’s Industry Champions programme, the visit (Friday 22 March) saw Central Contracts’ MD, Mike Lloyd host MP Jack Brereton to the Stoke-on-Trent site.

UK demand for new light commercial vehicles (LCVs) grew by 2% in February to 17,934 units. It marks 14 months of consecutive growth, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT).