The Department for Transport announced last week that zero-emission capable private hire vehicles will be exempt from higher vehicle excise duty. They also stated ultra-low emission heavy goods vehicles will now be eligible for the Plug-In Van Grant.
The move will work towards the government’s ambition for net zero emissions by 2050 by reducing costs for taxi drivers and companies who purchase zero-emission capable taxis over conventional petrol or diesel models.
BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney said; “We welcome the Transport Minister’s announcement making zero-emission taxis exempt from higher vehicle excise duty, but we would urge him not to stop there.
“The move is a clear indication that the government understands that the right tax environment can help to increase the uptake of electric vehicles and we would like to see the same rule being applied to all electric vehicles, not just taxis.
“Almost a year on from the launch of the government’s Road to Zero Strategy, we have published our Road to Zero Report Card, including a comprehensive assessment of the progress so far and making some clear recommendations as to what needs to be done to accelerate the road to zero.”
Two models of ultra-low emission heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) are now eligible for the Plug-in Van Grant, helping more businesses to go green.
The government has expressed a belief that these financial incentives will encourage the manufacture and sale of green taxis and HGVs and continue to cement the UK’s reputation as a nation at the forefront of the design and manufacture of zero-emission vehicles, a key ambition outlined within the Road to Zero strategy.
