The UK government has extended its plug-in truck and van grant schemes through April 2026, aiming to reduce the cost of adopting electric commercial vehicles and support the transition to zero-emission transport. The grants form part of a broader initiative that includes funding for EV charging infrastructure and support for private and commercial vehicle buyers.
The plug-in truck grant provides discounts of up to £25,000 for large electric trucks over 12 tonnes (N3 category) and up to £16,000 for smaller electric trucks weighing between 4.25 and 12 tonnes (N2 category). The vehicles must be capable of travelling at least 96 kilometres emission-free and produce at least 50% less CO2 than their conventional Euro VI counterparts.
See also: UK Battery EV Sales Hit Record in March, But Fall Short of Government Mandate
Qualifying models for the scheme include small trucks such as the FUSO eCanter, Iveco eDaily, and Paneltex Z75, while larger vehicles include the Mercedes-Benz eActros, Renault Trucks D-Range, and Electra e-Compact. The grant is available at the point of sale from registered dealerships or manufacturers, who claim the subsidy on behalf of the buyer.
According to government guidelines, each entity can claim up to 1,500 grants per financial year, with caps on how many higher-value grants can be awarded. For example, only 10 small truck grants at the £16,000 level will be allowed per entity, after which the grant drops to £5,000. Similarly, the large truck grants are capped at five grants of £25,000, followed by ten at £16,000, and further purchases capped at £5,000. Nationally, only 250 £16,000 grants for small trucks and 100 £25,000 grants for large trucks are available.
See also: UK Expected to Ease ZEV Mandate as Pressure Mounts from Automakers
The plug-in van grant, also extended, provides up to £2,500 for vans under 2.5 tonnes and up to £5,000 for those between 2.5 and 4.25 tonnes. Eligible models include the Citroen e-Berlingo, Fiat e-Doblo, Ford E-Transit, and Volkswagen E-Transporter.
“We’re extending our Plug-in Truck Grant for another year, making it cheaper to buy a zero-emission truck & make the switch,” tweeted Lilian Greenwood, Future of Roads Minister. “On top of £200m to roll out ZE trucks & charging infrastructure – supporting jobs & securing our future.”
See also: UK Expected to Ease ZEV Mandate as Pressure Mounts from Automakers
In addition to truck and van support, the UK has expanded other grant schemes. These include up to £4,000 for taxi drivers, £500 for electric motorbike buyers, and a raised cap on wheelchair accessible vehicle grants from £35,000 to £50,000.
The Workplace Charging Scheme and the Electric Vehicle Chargepoint Grant (EVCG) have also been extended until March 31, 2026. The Workplace scheme provides up to £350 per socket and funds up to 40 sockets per applicant, benefiting businesses and public organisations. Since its inception in 2016, it has delivered approximately 60,000 sockets with £21.8 million in funding. The EVCG supports landlords and property owners without off-street parking and has funded over £13.2 million in charging infrastructure since April 2022.
See also: UK Electric Van Sales Continue to Rise Despite Overall Market Decline
