The plug-in van grant will be available for another year meaning businesses and van drivers can receive grants up to £2,500 when buying small vans up to 2.5 tonnes and up to £5,000 for larger vans up to 4.25 tonnes.

The government is also making it easier to switch to zero emission vans – which can be heavier than their petrol and diesel counterparts despite being the same size – by removing the requirement for additional training that is currently in place only for electric vans but not their petrol and diesel equivalents.

This will help businesses by taking away training costs, cutting red tape and making it easier to hire drivers when operating electric vans.

Future of Roads Minister, Lilian Greenwood, said: “Today we are making it easier, faster and cheaper for people to switch to electric vehicles.

“By making the transition to zero emissions a success, we’re helping to drive growth all over the UK, putting more money in people’s pockets and rebuilding Britain to deliver our Plan for Change.”