The Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) has announced its intention to lobby the government to change its plans for electric Vehicle Excise Duty (eVED). This is amongst a range of new measures included in the latest version of its manifesto.

The fourth edition of the document, which is the first to be issued since just before the most recent general election in July 2024, was overseen by Dale Eynon. He was appointed as the AFP’s first government affairs and policy lead earlier this year.

He said: “The new version of the AFP Manifesto contains a comprehensive set of proposals designed to accelerate fleet decarbonisation, simplify fleet-related taxation and regulation, improve national vehicle charging infrastructure, enhance fleet safety and mobility, and strengthen workforce capability.

“We are advocating for coordinated government action to support fleets through a complex and rapidly evolving technological landscape – and this document serves as a foundational ‘to do’ list for our lobbying strategy covering engagement with government departments, regulators, and industry partners.

“Implementing eVED in April 2028 may adversely affect both new and used EV values, elevating operational expenses for businesses and potentially decelerating the UK's momentum toward electrification at a critical juncture. Fleets are rightly concerned.”

Further issues highlighted in the document include more support for electric van adoption, help for the used electric vehicle (EV) market, parking costs being linked to shared mobility and public transport solutions, and updating the “available to use” rule.

EV charging is given especially detailed attention, highlighting the need for a national kerbside charging strategy, better chargepoint regulation, investment in community charging projects, and removing VAT from home charger installation costs.

Paul Hollick, chair at the AFP, said: “The Manifesto represents our thinking on where we believe the government should be heading on a wide range of issues. It is designed to focus on practical points – ranging from small detail alterations to major strategic shifts – which will enable fleets to move forward with their plans faster and more effectively.”