INDUSTRY CONCERN ICE BAN DELAY PROMPTS 2030 to 2035. T
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said more time was needed to prepare for the transition to EVs, citing concerns about the upfront cost impact on families and practicalities for small businesses.
Reacting to the announcement, Logistics UK chief executive David Wells said: “Pushing back the deadlines to decarbonise, rather than making progress on the investment and policies logistics businesses need to implement the route to net zero, is unhelpful and will discourage private investment in the UK and its industries. “There is still much to be done, from delivering a charging network to confirming plans for alternatively fuelled vehicles, but our industry remains committed to achieving net zero.
he government has pushed back its planned ban on new diesel and petrol vans and cars from
“At a time when industry needs detail and action, delay just creates more uncertainty.”
Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) chair Paul Hollick said: “While some of our members will be pleased about this because it takes the pressure to electrify away for the time being, the reaction that we are seeing across the fleet sector to this news is largely negative. “The motor industry and their fleet customers have invested billions towards meeting the 2030 electrification deadline and while there are serious operational issues that need to be tackled, especially when it comes to electric vans, the assumption within our membership was that the government would need to provide more support, not move the goalposts.” BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said the response from the rental and leasing industry body’s members was
mixed – but warned that confidence in future government strategies could be undermined. He said: “Today’s (21 September) announcement will frustrate many while offering relief to others. Those that have made huge financial and strategic investments in this technology and mobilised their customers and workforces for decarbonisation will be worried that [the] government is applying the brakes.
“Others will be grateful for the extra breathing space this delay provides. They will be hoping that it gives more time for costs to come down and consumer attitudes to change.” Keaney warned the delay could stall momentum towards net zero. “Everyone is likely to have less trust in the government’s net zero strategy and will think a lot harder before committing to any of its future strategies or roadmaps,” he said.
PLUG-IN HYBRID RANGER FORD REVEALS
The model will feature a 2.3-litre petrol engine, together with an electric motor and battery, allowing a targeted range of more than 28 miles on electric power alone. Ford says this powertrain, which will
F
ord has unveiled the first plug-in hybrid version of its Ranger pick-up truck.
offer four-wheel drive and selectable drive modes, will deliver more torque than any other Ranger variant. The manufacturer is targeting a maximum braked towing capacity of 3,500kg – the same as the rest of the Ranger line-up.
The Ranger Plug-in Hybrid will also feature a Pro Power Onboard system,
allowing high-draw power tools and appliances to be plugged into power outlets embedded in both the cargo bed and the cabin.
Production of the Ranger Plug- in Hybrid is due to begin late next year with the first deliveries in early 2025. Full specs and prices are yet to be announced.
At a glance
Mercedes-Benz Vans has confirmed UK specs and prices for the new eCitan. It features a 122hp electric motor and a 45kWh battery, allowing a range of up to 176 miles on the WLTP combined cycle. Prices, excluding VAT and including the government’s plug-in van grant, start at £33,995 for Progressive spec and £35,970 for Premium. Mercedes is also offering £1,000 towards home or workplace charger installation for retail and SME customers.
Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) has appointed Richard Chamberlain as SAIC Maxus country manager for the UK and Ireland. Chamberlain joins the company from Stellantis, where he was LCV director for Stellantis UK and country manager for Fiat Professional. Maxus products are distributed by Harris Group in European markets.
The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has called for clarity over 4.25t electric van rules. The Department for Transport created a concession in 2019 allowing electric LCVs to weigh up to 4.25t, rather than 3.5t, to allow for the weight of their batteries. The AFP says the Office for Zero Emissions Vehicles (OZEV) believes the vehicles have been deregulated from operator responsibilities applying to vans over 3.5t but the Driver Vehicle Standards Authority and DfT believe some regulations remain.
The average price of diesel at UK filling stations went up by 8.33p per litre in September, according to the RAC. The organisation said the rise, to an average of 163.11p per litre, came on the back of an 8p rise in August. Petrol meanwhile has risen by 11p per litre over the past two months, to 157.01p.
Northamptonshire-based water supply specialist IY Commissioning has taken delivery of six new Citroën Dispatch vans from Vanaways, with a further eight on order. The vehicles will constitute a whole fleet replacement. The vans are Dispatch Enterprise Edition 1000 XL models with 100hp engines. Their interiors are ply-lined and fitted with racking systems by Van Pro, along with built-in generators and a range of testing implements.
@whatvan October 2023 WhatVan? 5
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