The Department of Transport have announced a £2m funding pot to support the uptake of e-cargo bikes for green deliveries in the UK.
The funding will aim to pave the way for the nimble electric delivery vehicles to replace older, polluting vans – helping to improve the environment and reduce congestion.
The government’s plans will encourage alternate green technologies to counter the increasing usage of diesel delivery vans that has accompanied the boom in ecommerce shopping and comes as 16 of the UK’s largest van fleet operators have signed up to the clean van commitment in a bid to go electric.
In 2017, spending online in the UK increased by 15.3% and the latest road traffic estimates indicate van traffic increased by 4.7% to 49.5bn vehicle miles in 2016.
Most of these vans are diesel, which cause congestion and have a detrimental impact on the environment. Over time the government expects to see increasing numbers of electric vans on UK streets but there is also a place for other delivery modes including e-cargo bikes.
“Funding to support the adoption of e-cargo bikes by businesses in England and enable low carbon Last Mile Delivery across the country is a positive step in improving local air quality, tackling road traffic congestion, and reducing transport operating costs. Applicants can benefit from grant funding for up to 20% of the cost of a new ecargo bike up to the value of £1,000 per bike.”
– Matthew Eastwood, head of transport, Energy Saving Trust
“This new fund for e-cargo bikes will help to cut congestion, improve air quality and encourage companies to play their part in creating a cleaner, greener future. Supporting more sustainable deliveries is just one of the positive steps this government is taking towards a zero emission world.”
– Jesse Norman, minister, Department for Transport’s Cycling and Walking
