What Van? Britain's biggest and best van buyers' guide

The government has also announced an extension to its rule allowing electric vans weighing up to 4.25t to be driven by drivers with car licences, allowing for the extra weight of the batteries over a standard 3.5t LCV.

Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “As demand for electric vehicles continues to grow at speed, this extension to our grant scheme will allow tens of thousands more vans to be purchased, transporting goods in a way which is kinder to our environment. ? 

“This will support our vital, ongoing work to clean up our air in towns and cities right across the country and build back greener.”

Reacting to the announcement, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders chief executive Mike Hawes said: “Extending the plug-in van grant is welcome as it will encourage more operators to make the switch to electric vehicles over the next three years. Furthermore, the confirmation of the continuation of the current licensing regulations will make it easier to recruit drivers for the heaviest electric vans.

“While the van market saw record electric uptake last year, it remains some distance behind cars, with battery electric vans making up just 3.6% of new registrations. The speed of uptake must be increased, therefore, which requires attractive incentives and significant investment in EV charge points especially those that meet the specific needs of commercial vehicles in every region of the UK.”