RHA Calls on industry to shape Electric Vehicle Payload Policy

Association launches operator survey to tackle payload challenges and secure vital government support.

Following the recent Net Zero Survey, the Road Haulage Association (RHA) has today launched a brand new industry-wide initiative to better understand how battery electric vehicle (BEV) adoption impacts freight operations, specifically relating to payload, productivity, and the need for incentivisation.

"This is about making BEV adoption work in the real world," said RHA Managing Director, Richard Smith. "We need robust data from operators across the country to ensure the government understands the practical barriers and ensure regulations incentivise and support a fair and viable transition.”

This survey is an opportunity for businesses to help shape the future rules and support that will govern the industry’s decarbonisation journey. It will help inform industry efforts, aimed at securing regulatory reforms on vehicle weights and lengths and the specific support needed to ensure BEV adoption is viable and achievable for UK operators.

BEV batteries are significantly heavier than diesel alternatives, reducing available payload. For many operators, particularly small and medium-sized businesses, this creates operational and financial challenges. Without the right support and incentives, BEV adoption could lead to increased vehicle movements and costs.

The RHA is encouraging businesses from across the industry to share key operational data such as payloads, stem distances, shift patterns, and anticipated BEV uptake.

The survey is open to all commercial vehicle operators.

To participate, visit: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RHA-ElectricHGVpayloadlosssurvey-RHAwebsite