Drivers and companies could save a staggering £120,000 off the price of a new electric vehicle as part of Labour's new incentive scheme to support the uptake of cleaner vehicles.
Hauliers and fleet operators are now able to access discounts of up to £120,000 on new electric trucks after the Government pledged a further £18million.
The Plug-in Truck Grant has been increased until March 2026, as Labour backs the switch to greener vehicles in the freight sector with a total £318million investment.
The new scheme is similar to the recently launched Electric Car Grant, which helps drivers save up to £3,750 off the price of a new EV, with 45,000 already taking advantage of the deal.
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Zero emission truck sales have been backed by the Government with an additional £120million through the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme.
The new funding will allow businesses to save between £20,000 and a staggering £120,000 off the price of trucks.
Fresh incentives include:
- Smaller trucks (4.25t-12t) - Savings up to £20,000
- Mid-sized trucks (12t-18t) - Savings up to £60,000
- Larger trucks (18t-26t) - Savings up to £80,000
- And the largest lorries (26t+) - Savings up to £120,000
New incentives could see motorists and businesses save up to £120,000 on a new electric truck
|PA
Major companies, including Amazon and Marks and Spencer, have already rolled out electric delivery trucks on the roads.
Through the ZEHID programme, a further 300 zero emission heavy goods vehicles will be introduced on UK roads by March 2026.
Commenting on the funding boost, Keir Mather, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, praised the investment as helping more businesses meet net zero targets.
The Labour MP for Selby said: "We're backing British businesses to go green by making electric lorries more affordable, helping hauliers to make the switch whilst turbocharging growth, investment and jobs in the sector.
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"Our proposals will provide the certainty the industry has been calling for so that Britain becomes the best place for green investment."
The Government has also launched a consultation on the regulatory roadmap to phase out sales of new non-zero emission heavy goods vehicles by 2040.
Labour stated that it would work with the industry to ensure policies and legislation work to boost jobs and support growth across the sector.
John Boumphrey, UK country manager at Amazon UK, said the company welcomed the Government's commitment to helping more businesses make use of cleaner fleets.
Amazon has invested heavily in electric heavy goods vehicles
|PA
He continued, saying: "The UK will be home to the largest number of electric heavy goods trucks in Amazon's global transportation network and the first of our record-breaking order of eHGVs are already on the road.
"We're investing to help the UK decarbonise and meet our goal of being net-zero carbon by 2040. We look forward to continuing to work with the government to ensure the growth of more sustainable logistics."
Jarrod Birch, head of policy and public affairs at ChargeUK, described the funding as a "welcome kick starter" for the electrification of the freight industry, which is one of the most polluting transport sectors.
However, he acknowledged that more needs to be done to encourage investment and the relevant infrastructure to ensure the policy is a success.
"We hope to see this new funding continue beyond March and be matched with support for the rollout of the widespread and affordable charging infrastructure required for HGVs too," Mr Birch said.