The Government has announced that the Plug-in Truck Grant has been extended for a further year.
The grant was due to finish at the end of March but has now been extended into the 2025/26 financial year.
Small trucks (between 4.25 and 12 tonnes) can receive up to £16,000 and large trucks (over 12 tonnes) up to £25,000 off the price of an eligible vehicle.
The announcement was made by Future of Roads minister Lilian Greenwood in a LinkedIn post and follows the extension of the Plug-in Van Grant.
Greenwood said: “With freight making up 20% of road transport emissions, decarbonising the sector is crucial not only to drive down our transport emissions, but it also brings some fantastic opportunities to create jobs, attract investment and deliver growth.
“That’s why we’re also investing up to £200m to help roll out hundreds of zero-emission lorries and install new infrastructure – which has supported the order of over 274 zero-emission lorries, many of which already have already hit our roads.
“And today’s grant extension follows £120m in Government investment to drive the sale of zero-emission vans, taxis, motorcycles and accessible vehicles.
“We will continue working closely with industry to ensure we capitalise on the transition, create high-paid jobs and drive investment, making the UK a green energy superpower and delivering our Plan for Change to secure our future.”
Logistics UK said that the move would speed up decarbonisation by helping make the business case for investing in electric vehicles.
Michelle Gardner, deputy director – policy at the business group, went on: “Cost is a significant barrier for businesses when investing in green technology, so extending the Plug-in Truck Grant will encourage HGV fleet decarbonisation by removing some of the risk.
“We have been calling for the grant to be extended for some time and our members will be encouraged that the Government is taking industry’s views on board. Alongside affordable electric vehicles, the sector needs a comprehensive charging network, and we continue to urge the Government to ensure the energy infrastructure is delivered at the pace the sector requires to maintain the nation’s supply chains while meeting net zero goals.”
