LIG is proud to announce that we are actively assessing our fleet and trialling a number of electric vans for our teams. This initiative is part of our commitment to sustainability and reducing our environmental footprint. As the world grapples with climate change, the shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) represents a crucial step in mitigating the impact of transport-related emissions.
Environmental Impact of Fleet Vehicles in the UK
The transport sector is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, accounting for around 27% of total emissions. Fleet vehicles, including delivery vans, play a significant role in this. Traditional petrol and diesel vehicles release significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), and particulate matter (PM) into the atmosphere. These pollutants not only contribute to global warming but also pose serious health risks to the population, causing respiratory problems and other illnesses.
The UK government has set ambitious targets to reduce carbon emissions, aiming to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. A critical part of this strategy involves the decarbonisation of transport. As such, businesses like LIG have a vital role to play in transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable modes of transportation.
The Benefits of Switching to Electric Vans
Switching to electric vans offers numerous environmental benefits. Electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, significantly reducing air pollution. This helps improve air quality in urban areas, benefiting public health and contributing to a cleaner environment. Additionally, EVs are typically more energy-efficient than their internal combustion engine counterparts, which means they require less energy to travel the same distance.
The adoption of electric vans also aligns with the broader push for renewable energy. As the UK continues to increase its share of electricity generated from renewable sources, the overall carbon footprint of electric vehicles is expected to decrease further. This synergy between clean energy and electric transport amplifies the positive environmental impact.
Department for Transport’s Phase-Out Date Confirmation
In line with national efforts to reduce emissions, the Department for Transport has confirmed the restoration of the 2030 phase-out date for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. However, it remains unclear whether the deadline for fossil-fuelled vans will also be brought forward from 2035 to 2030. This uncertainty underscores the importance of our proactive approach in trialling electric vans now, preparing LIG for potential regulatory changes and ensuring we stay ahead of the curve in adopting sustainable transport solutions.
For LIG, integrating electric vans into our fleet is a practical demonstration of our commitment to sustainability. By trialling these vehicles, we aim to gather valuable data on their performance, efficiency, and operational feasibility. This will inform our future strategy and enable us to make informed decisions about expanding our use of electric vehicles.