The UK government has announced an extension of its grant scheme focusing on electric trucks

In a pivotal move towards greener transportation, the UK government has announced an extension of its grant scheme focusing on electric trucks, specifically those weighing over 4.3 tonnes. With a maximum discount of £25,000 available, this initiative aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in commercial fleets, yielding considerable benefits for both businesses and the environment alike.

Understanding the Grant Structure

The latest grant scheme categorises electric trucks into two distinct types based on their weight capacity. Small trucks , classified as N2 vehicles weighing between 4.25 and 12 tonnes, have grant discounts available of up to £16,000. Meanwhile, large trucks , classified as N3 vehicles, must weigh more than 12 tonnes and qualify for a maximum discount of £25,000. Both categories must meet strict performance criteria, including the ability to travel at least 96 kilometers without any emissions and produce at least 50% fewer CO2 emissions than traditional Euro VI vehicles.

Notable examples of electric trucks qualifying for these grants include the FUSO eCanter , Iveco eDaily , and Paneltex Z75 in the small truck category. Larger options include the Electra e-Compact , Mercedes-Benz eActros , and Renault Trucks D-Range — showcasing the rapid growth and technological advancements in electric truck options on the market.

How to Access the Grant

According to the latest information from the UK government, these van and truck grants are available to all private individuals and businesses purchasing or leasing vehicles directly from authorised dealers or manufacturers. Vehicle manufacturers and dealerships are responsible for registering vehicles for the scheme, applying discounts to customer sales, and subsequently receiving reimbursements through monthly payments.

It's crucial to note the limitations imposed on the number of grants per entity. Each business, organization, or individual can apply for up to 1,500 plug-in truck or van grants in a single financial year. For example, there is a cap of ten grants for small trucks at the higher £16,000 rate, dropping to £5,000 thereafter. For large trucks, the limit is five grants at £25,000, ten at £16,000, and further grants tapering back to £5,000.

Nationwide Impact

The grant’s financial structure is aligned with the truck's purchase price, covering 20% of the cost up to the aforementioned maximums for small and large trucks. However, the number of grants available is limited each year, with just 250 £16,000 grants for small trucks and only 100 £25,000 grants for large trucks, necessitating a prompt application process to secure benefits.

The initiative is part of a broader strategy by the UK government to support the transition to electric vehicles. In February, an extension of the plug-in van grant was also announced, with small vans qualifying for up to £2,500 and larger vans receiving up to £5,000 in discounts. Noteworthy models in this category include the Citroen e-Berlingo , Ford E-Transit , and Volkswagen E-Transporter .

The Future of Roads minister, Lilian Greenwood, highlighted the government’s commitment, stating, “We’re extending our Plug-in Truck Grant for another year, making it cheaper to buy a zero-emission truck and make the switch.”

Additional Support for EV Transition

The government has not limited its efforts to trucks and vans. Grants have also emerged for taxi drivers transitioning to electric vehicles, and scooters for bikers moving to electric motorbikes. Furthermore, the existing Workplace Charging Scheme has been extended until March 2026, supporting the installation of charge points in workplaces, charities, and public sectors, covering up to 75% of costs.

Similarly, the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant (EVCG) offers financial support for landlords and car park owners to install charge points, ensuring robust infrastructure supports the growing demand for EVs.

Conclusion

As we propel forward into a more sustainable future, the UK government's electric truck grant scheme stands out as a beacon of encouragement for businesses to adopt zero-emission technologies. By providing significant financial incentives, the scheme not only fosters economic growth but also reinforces our collective commitment to reducing carbon emissions. As businesses take action and make the switch to electric vehicles, we move closer to a cleaner and greener planet for future generations.

Explore your options today and consider how this initiative can benefit your fleet and the environment! Join us at ZeroMission in making sustainability a priority in transportation.

Get in contact with us if you want to learn more about transitioning to Electric Vehicles