New Rules for Cleaner Commercial Cars—The Green Game Just Got Even Hotter
Hey drivers, traders, and anyone who doesn’t want to smell diesel on their commute—here’s the low‑down on the latest green push from the government.
What’s New?
- Extension of the CVES & ETS – They’re stuck around for two more years, until 31 March 2025.
- Fresh Thresholds & Rewards – Starting 1 April 2023, the pollution scorecards for cars got a makeover. The goal? Make buying and running a low‑pollution vehicle cheaper in the long run.
The Band System in Plain English
- Cars get sorted into Band A, Band B, or Band C based on their biggest pollutant: CO₂, hydrocarbons, CO, NOx or tiny particulate matter.
- Depending on the band, owners either earn a reward or pay a surcharge—think of it as the green version of loyalty points.
- It works hand‑in‑hand with the Early Turnover Scheme (ETS), which gives nice discounts on the Prevailing Quota Premium if you swap out an old diesel for something cleaner.
Why the Double‑Edged Changes?
- WLTP Test Integration – A tighter, more realistic testing cycle that pushes emissions down. This means the thresholds for CO₂, HC, NOx and PM got tweaked so the models stay balanced across the bands.
- Credit Adjustments – The big question: “Why cut the Band A incentive in half?” Because the sweet spot between ICE (internal combustion engine) and EV (electric vehicles) prices is squeezing. Eco‑moves are getting cheaper, so the incentives are being trimmed to keep the budget sane.
- Band A: From $30,000 $15,000
- Band B (mostly petrol): From $10,000 $5,000
- Band C (mostly diesel): Surcharge climbs from $10,000 $15,000
Don’t Miss the ETS Window!
Remember—ETS goes out of business at the end of March 2025. If you’re thinking of swapping a vehicle, it’s now or never to grab that early‑turnover discount.
Future Plans—Because the Green Dream Is Endless
The government’s eye isn’t just on carbon taxes—it’s ready to throw in other regulatory tools to nudge owners to retire those old, nasty diesel trucks and buses. All Roads (or driving) to 2040 will run on cleaner energy.
A Tiny Side Note
While we’re at it, LTA recently pulled back a warning letter to a cab driver who forgot a passenger’s wallet in a taxi—something about compliance and customer kindness. (Nice move, LTA.)
That’s the scoop! If you’re steering towards a greener future, check your vehicle’s band, grab those incentives, and remember: cleaner roads mean happier lungs.
