£1 billion grant injection to fuel EV acceleration
£1 billion of government funding to cut costs for fleet operators, drive growth and clean up UK roads will be a major catalyst in supporting the EV vehicle sector.
Joe Collison, managing director of leading electrical engineering specialist CES, says the funds will help dealerships drive the take up of electric cars, while protecting businesses against shifting global fuel prices.
“This financial injection provides a much-needed lift for the industry as companies face growing urgency to lower their carbon footprint and update their vehicles.”
The Zero Emissions Truck and Van grants and Depot Charging Scheme (DCS) aim to tackle two of the biggest barriers to businesses making the switch to electric – upfront costs and access to charging.
The grants will support businesses make the switch to electric. Specifically, the £170 million boost to the government’s Depot Charging Scheme could see businesses cover up to 70 per cent of the cost of installing EV charging infrastructure.
Joe said: “CES brings extensive expertise in high-capacity vehicle charging, and we can help support businesses looking to decarbonise their fleets and reduce operational costs, which in turn will help them lower overheads, support jobs and mitigate the fluctuating price of fuel.
“We’re going to be talking about it at the Road Transport Expo at Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire at the end of June. It’ll be exciting to be able to chat through all the options available for businesses and their fleets.
“We are already seeing significant interest in charging solutions from commercial showrooms, a trend that is set to accelerate. It is vital for these dealerships to assist clients in their transition by partnering with dependable installers from the start.”
According to the Department of Transport, as of January 2026 there are 116,052 public EV chargers in the UK. The government's 2030 target is 300,000 chargers, but the current pace suggests only around 170,000 will be reached. The Department for Transport and the National Audit Office estimate that 250,000-555,000 chargers will be needed by 2030.
Joe added: “The government has set ambitious targets, but targets alone won’t build the infrastructure. We need businesses to act now. Every installation matters, and the time to get ahead of demand is before it overwhelms us – not after.”
CES enjoyed record breaking turnover last year and has become a trusted partner for organisations investing in electric vehicle infrastructure.
The Shropshire-based company, which operates nationwide, recently completed a major solar installation at a commercial transport dealership in Leicestershire in partnership with Ample Power that will power the next generation of electric HGVs.
