RED DIESEL BAN: WILL IT HAVE A DEVASTATING IMPACT OR IS IT OVERDUE?
The UK Government announced in the budget 2020 that it would remove red diesel from many sectors from 1st April 2022. Many businesses will be forced to pay the pump prices for white diesel, which could be up to 300% more than their existing fuel costs as pump prices fluctuate.
This move is to encourage users to switch to more sustainable fuels, the more expensive diesel is, the greater motivation to change. The government has set in motion several different policies designed to pave the way to a carbon-neutral future. However, for some the red diesel ban could have a ‘devastating impact’. Suddenly businesses are faced unavoidable costs, which perhaps could not come at a worst time. The political uncertainty of Brexit has urged many businesses to plan, re-plan & financially prepare for all scenarios. So will this sudden shock to operating costs make it even harder for businesses to afford new, cleaner vehicles & equipment and will it lengthen the usage of older ‘dirtier’ vehicles?
As the world looks to electrify vehicles and store renewable power, one giant challenge looms: what will happen to all the old lithium batteries?
Some would say, the red diesel ban will be enforced before the UK has time to develop low-emission technologies & the relevant infrastructure to support it. The proposed changes to red diesel prices could have an adverse impact. The question is, has the government ensured that it can offer businesses viable green alternatives for success, not failure?
On the other hand, the Government acknowledges that the change in red diesel eligibility will be a challenge for many sectors. Investment in affordable sustainable solutions is fundamental component of motivating businesses to opt for cleaner alternatives, rather than ‘take the hit’ on fuel costs. We all know, the climate change emergency demands immediate action! The accelerating decline of the earth’s natural life-support systems are in jeopardy. From that perspective, the red diesel ban should have been implemented years ago.
Recently, we have seen significant investment of renewable energy production. The main challenge now is ensuring these green alternatives are assessable to all UK business, which would also allow the UK to meet its binding net zero target by 2050.
With the red diesel privilege taken away, we have decided to revolutionise our product portfolio to support the UK’s environmental targets. This is not only to respond to the climate change emergency quicker but to ensure we can provide our customers with affordable green alternatives when the red diesel eligibility is taken away. Our range of Lithium Powered forklift trucks & material handling equipment is not only available at a similar price point as traditional gas & diesel power, but they are designed to be easy to use & more cost effective than traditional power.
Without the need for charging rooms or specialised infrastructure, you can just plug in and opportune charge Lithium powered forklift trucks & material handling equipment with a super-fast charger to reduce downtime & improve operational efficiency. Being emission free, fuel free & carbon free means we can support businesses who are no longer eligible for red diesel, while also reducing operating costs by up to 75%.
Please get in touch if you would like more information on how switching to Lithium forklift trucks & material handling equipment can save you thousands on fuel, maintenance & reduce your carbon footprint.
Pros of LFP
Batteries
- Eliminate the environmental impact of Cobalt & Nickel mining extraction
- Removing cobalt eradicates worker exploitation. Companies using cobalt often fail to conduct adequate human rights due diligence in the mining
- LFP batteries offer a longer cycle life than other lithium-ion chemistries(Super 2020)
- LFP Batteries have a more stable chemistry, even if penetrated or damaged, it would unlikely cause any Which makes the battery a much safer option.
Cons of LFP
Batteries
- LFP batteries cannot be used in equipment that needs a maximum of power stored in limited space and at minimum weight. However, this does not pose a concern as often our forklift trucks are not required to run at speeds & range of standard automobiles