Petrol and Diesel Vans to Be Phased Out by 2035: What It Means for You
The Department for Transport has now published its final plans for phasing out new petrol and diesel vehicles. While the headlines have focused on cars, there are important developments for light commercial vehicles (LCVs) – the vans that power building & construction, trades, logistics, public services, and many other sectors across the UK.
Here’s what the policy means in detail, and what CPD customers should start thinking about.
The Updated Timeline: Vans Included
In April 2025, the UK Government confirmed that:
- From 2035, the sale of new petrol and diesel vans will be banned.
- Between now and 2035, new vans can still be sold with traditional engines, including hybrids, giving businesses more time to adjust.
- By 2035, all new vans must be zero-emission at the tailpipe. This means fully electric (or hydrogen) – not hybrids or plug-in hybrids.
This delay from the original 2030 target reflects industry feedback and economic realities, but the direction of travel is clear: the van market is moving toward zero-emission solutions, and manufacturers are under pressure to adapt quickly.
What Is the ZEV Mandate?
The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate is the legal framework that forces manufacturers to shift. Starting in 2024, van makers must sell a minimum percentage of zero-emission vehicles. These targets are set to rise each year:
- 2024 – 10% of new vans sold must be zero-emission
- 2027 – 46% of new vans sold must be zero-emission
- 2030 – 70% of new vans sold must be zero-emission
- 2035 – 100% of new vans sold must be zero-emission
This means more electric vans are entering the market – and more investment is going into improving them. We can expect better range, payload, and price points over the next few years.
How This Affects CPD Customers
If you’re running a diesel fleet now – or replacing vehicles soon – this is a key moment to consider:
- What do I need from my van?
- When will an electric model suit my job?
- How do I plan for charging and running costs?
- Will my current payload requirements be met by EVs?
Every trade and operator is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. That’s why CPD takes a practical approach – helping you understand the options based on your real-world needs.
How CPD Can Help
Vehicle supply and conversion
We work with leading brands like Ford, Maxus, Renault, Mercedes and Citroën – and build everything in-house. Whether it’s diesel now or electric next, we’ll get your van working exactly how you need it to.
Electric vehicle compatibility
We’re already converting electric chassis with bespoke racking, tipper bodies, dropsides, cage tippers and more – helping you maintain performance while reducing emissions.
Whole-life cost thinking
We don’t just talk about the list price – we look at fuel, servicing, and downtime too. For many users, electric vans offer real savings when viewed over the full lifecycle.
Built around your trade
From joiners to local councils, maintenance teams to engineers, we understand the specific demands placed on work vans – and we’ll help tailor a solution that’s ready for the day-to-day.
Planning Ahead Without the Pressure
You don’t have to switch tomorrow. But with the market changing fast – and manufacturer targets kicking in from 2024 – it’s worth planning ahead. Stock availability, lead times, and government incentives may all shift in the coming months.
At CPD, we’re here to offer straight-talking advice and high-quality builds – whatever stage of the journey you’re at.
Want to understand how this affects your next van?
Let’s talk through your needs and explore the best options for your business – without the pressure.
