£120,000 Grants for Electric Lorries: Progress, but Not the Breakthrough Freight Needs

The government’s decision to extend the Plug-in Lorry Grant; offering discounts of up to £120,000 per electric HGV, is a positive step for the UK freight and logistics sector.

Upfront vehicle cost has long been one of the biggest barriers to electric HGV adoption, and this funding will undoubtedly help some operators move faster. But while the headline figure is eye-catching, grants alone will not deliver mass electrification of freight.

Lower Vehicle Costs Don’t Eliminate Operational Risk

Electric HGVs aren’t being held back by a lack of ambition. Most operators want to decarbonise. The real challenge is operational certainty.

Fleet managers are responsible for uptime, route reliability, and cost control. An electric truck only delivers value if it can be charged reliably, predictably, and at scale. For many operators, that confidence still doesn’t exist.

Key concerns across the industry include:

In this context, a discounted electric lorry without assured charging infrastructure isn’t a solution, it’s a risk.

Charging Infrastructure Remains the Missing Link

The government highlights the lower day-to-day running costs of electric lorries compared to diesel. That advantage is real but only when charging infrastructure is in place to support live operations.

For electric HGVs to be commercially viable, charging must be:

Without parallel investment in commercial-grade depot charging, faster grid connections, and long-term infrastructure funding, grants will primarily benefit large operators with the resources to self-solve these challenges.

High-profile deployments by companies like Amazon UK demonstrate what’s possible but they are not representative of the wider freight market.

Policy Certainty Matters More Than Grant Size

Fleet electrification decisions are made over decades, not funding cycles. Operators need confidence that support will remain in place long enough to justify investment.

Consultation on phasing out non-zero-emission HGVs by 2040 is welcome. However, regulation without infrastructure readiness risks forcing decisions before businesses can make them safely.

Long-term certainty, not short-term incentives, is what unlocks real investment.

What Must Happen Next

This announcement should be seen as a starting point, not the end goal.

To create a viable zero-emission freight sector, policy must address the full system:

Electric HGVs are coming. That debate is settled.

The real question is whether businesses can adopt them without compromising reliability, profitability, or jobs.

Because no transport director should ever have to explain why a sustainability decision became an operational failure.

How EVC Solutions Helps

At EVC Solutions, we support businesses through the full electrification journey, from consultation and site survey to charging design, installation, and long-term operational support, ensuring infrastructure works in the real world, not just on paper.

Book an appointment today and see what’s possible.

Budget 2025: What the New EV Taxes and Incentives Really Mean for Fleet Electrification

Budget 2025: A Turning Point for EV Fleets, But Not in the Way Government Intended

The Chancellor’s Budget has landed with a mix of incentives and penalties that leave many in the fleet and automotive sectors questioning the direction of UK transport policy.

While additional funding has been made available for EV grants and charge points, the headline measure; a 3p-per-mile tax on electric cars from 2028, has been widely criticised as poorly timed and potentially damaging to EV adoption.

Across industry bodies, leasing companies, fleet operators and EV experts, one message is clear:
this Budget increases cost and uncertainty at the very moment businesses need confidence and consistency.

1. The New EV Pay-Per-Mile Tax Could Slow Adoption

The Government confirmed a new electric vehicle excise duty (eVED) from April 2028:

The Treasury frames this as “fairness”, but industry reaction has been overwhelmingly negative.

Key concerns raised:

Businesses, meanwhile, already face rising wages, insurance, energy costs and unstable supply chains. Another cost layer is unwelcome.

2. Incentives Are Improving, But May Not Offset New Costs

There were positive measures:

These steps offer some relief. But many fleet and mobility leaders argue the incentives are overshadowed by the increased cost of ownership the tax introduces.

As one CEO put it:

“It still feels like one step forward and two steps back.”

3. Fuel Duty Freeze Gives Short-Term Relief, But Increases Later

Fuel duty will remain frozen until September 2026, then rise in stages through 2027.
This gives temporary breathing space but adds longer-term pressure on the cost of running petrol and diesel fleets; a pressure that could otherwise push businesses toward EVs.

Now, with EVs becoming more expensive to run, the Budget risks stalling momentum on both sides.

4. For Fleets, the Real Issue Is Uncertainty

Almost every industry leader quoted across the articles arrives at the same conclusion:
the Budget creates more questions than answers.

This uncertainty affects:

In short: it becomes harder for businesses to take the next step with confidence.

5. What Fleets Can Control — and Where EVC Solutions Helps

While policy moves unpredictably, your infrastructure strategy doesn’t have to.

At EVC Solutions, we help businesses create a resilient, future-proof charging ecosystem built around clarity, not political noise.

Our end-to-end process gives fleets a stable basis for decision-making:

1. Consultation

Understand fleet operations, duty cycles, costs and constraints.

2. Survey

Grid capacity, depot readiness, and load forecasting.

3. Design

A bespoke, scalable, ZEV-aligned infrastructure plan.

4. Installation

Reliable delivery with minimal downtime.

5. Management & Support

Monitoring, optimisation and ongoing performance assurance.

When done properly, infrastructure becomes the anchor that allows fleets to continue electrifying, no matter what the Budget brings.

Final Thoughts: Policy May Waver. Your Strategy Doesn’t Have To.

This Budget sends mixed signals: more grants and infrastructure funding, yet new taxes that could slow EV adoption.
But fleets can’t afford to wait for the 'perfect' policy environment.

Businesses that build strong charging foundations now will be the ones that stay ahead; compliant, efficient, and ready for the next phase of the transition.

If you want certainty in an uncertain landscape, we’re ready to guide you.

Book an appointment today and see what’s possible.

Zero-Emission HGV Uptake Surges 341% But Infrastructure Now Determines What Happens Next

The latest SMMT data brings rare optimism to a challenging HGV market: zero-emission HGV registrations have quadrupled, rising 341% in Q3 and hitting the highest quarterly volume ever recorded. Britain is now Europe’s second-largest ZEV HGV market by volume, with year-to-date registrations up 145.8%.

With more than two dozen electric truck models now available, manufacturers have delivered what operators have long asked for: credible, operationally capable vehicles across a mix of use cases.

But while ZEV demand climbs, the broader HGV market continues to contract. Total registrations fell 14.5% in Q3; the fifth consecutive quarterly drop. Economic pressures, rising insurance costs, and driver shortages all play a part.

Yet across both articles and industry commentary, one message is louder than the rest:

Infrastructure is now the single biggest barrier to fleet decarbonisation

Despite the positive news, SMMT and fleet leaders all stress the same concern:
the pace of HGV electrification is now limited by depot charging and grid readiness.

Key warnings include:

The message is clear:
vehicle technology is no longer the obstacle; charging infrastructure is.

Why fleets remain cautious despite rising ZEV availability

Although electric HGV adoption is accelerating, operators are still grappling with:

These are precisely the challenges that prevent electrification from moving beyond isolated pilots into full fleet transition.

And this is where the right infrastructure partner becomes critical.

How EVC Solutions Helps Fleets Move from Ambition to Execution

At EVC Solutions, we understand that the transition is complex, not because vehicles aren’t ready, but because infrastructure planning demands expertise, technical depth, and a clear roadmap.

Our end-to-end model gives fleet operators structured, confident progress:

1. Consultation

We analyse fleet profiles, duty cycles, operational patterns, and strategic goals.

2. Survey

On-site grid assessments, load studies, and analysis of depot layout and constraints.

3. Design

A tailored infrastructure plan that’s scalable, compliant, and future-proof, not just a “number of chargers”.

4. Installation

Delivered by experienced specialists, with minimal operational disruption.

5. Management & Support

Ongoing optimisation, monitoring, reliability checks, and full lifecycle support.

This clarity is what allows operators to move from uncertainty to confident investment, even in a changing policy and economic environment.

The UK’s HGV transition is accelerating, but it depends on infrastructure

The surge in zero-emission HGV registrations is an important milestone.
But the future growth the UK needs will only happen if infrastructure stops lagging behind.

With the right planning, expert installation, and long-term support, fleets can stay ahead of policy shifts, manage costs, and build a reliable pathway to decarbonisation.

Ready to explore what’s possible for your fleet?

Book an appointment today and see what’s possible.

Why the UK’s New EV Pay-Per-Mile Tax Risks Slowing the Fleet Transition

A New Tax, and New Uncertainty: The UK Government has confirmed plans to introduce a new 'VED+' pay-per-mile tax for electric vehicles from April 2028, charging drivers around 3 pence per mile.

Framed as a 'fairness' measure, it’s already attracting widespread criticism from across the fleet, leasing, and automotive sectors.

Industry bodies such as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) argue that this move comes “at entirely the wrong time”, just as the UK is working to accelerate zero-emission adoption.

The Industry Reaction

Leaders from Europcar, Novuna, Autotrader, and Close Brothers Motor Finance have all warned that this new charge could deter businesses and drivers from making the switch to electric, at a time when upfront costs and charging access already remain barriers.

Jon Lawes of Novuna Vehicle Solutions said it plainly:

“The EV transition remains fragile and needs support, not new burdens.”

For a fleet covering 20,000 miles annually, the new levy could add £600 to yearly running costs, a cost that many operators cannot easily absorb.

Why This Matters for Businesses

While fiscal policy evolves, the real risk is hesitation. Many fleet operators are already delaying procurement decisions due to uncertainty over future costs.

But inaction carries its own risks: missing ZEV compliance targets, higher long-term fuel costs, and falling behind competitors that have already gone electric.

Our View at EVC Solutions

At EVC Solutions, we understand that funding models and taxes will change. What doesn’t change is the long-term case for electrification: lower total cost of ownership, stronger sustainability credentials, and compliance with emerging corporate ESG standards.

Our message to fleet and facilities managers is simple:

Don’t let policy uncertainty pause your progress.

Future-ready infrastructure, installed and supported by experts, ensures your investment continues to deliver, no matter how regulations evolve.

The EVC Process

We make the transition clear and controlled:

  1. Consultation – Understanding your fleet and business needs.
  2. Survey – Assessing grid capacity and site requirements.
  3. Design – Creating a tailored infrastructure plan.
  4. Installation – Delivered with precision and minimal disruption.
  5. Management & Support – Ongoing optimisation and reliability.

Stay Ahead of Policy. Future-Proof Your Fleet.

The pay-per-mile proposal may slow some, but the most forward-thinking businesses will keep moving.
With EVC Solutions as your partner, the road to zero emissions remains clear, strategic, and achievable.

Book an appointment today and see what’s possible.

UK Lithium Milestone Strengthens EV Supply Chain and Energy Security

The UK has taken a major step toward securing its place in the global electric vehicle supply chain, as Cornish Lithium becomes the first company to mine and refine lithium hydroxide on British soil.

From its Trelavour Demonstration Plant near St Austell, Cornish Lithium has successfully produced lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM), the refined form of lithium essential for EV batteries, energy storage systems, and modern electronics.

This achievement represents the first end-to-end lithium refining process in the UK, transforming a former china clay quarry into a state-of-the-art industrial site. With Cornwall holding Europe’s largest lithium deposits, it’s estimated the region could supply over 50% of all lithium required for UK EV production by 2030.

Cornish Lithium’s work, backed by Innovate UK’s Automotive Transformation Fund, showcases the UK’s capability to create a resilient and responsible critical minerals supply chain, vital for energy security and national economic growth.

EVC Solutions Director Nigel Ryan commented on the announcement:

“This is very exciting news and adds further to the technological value created for ‘UK plc’; energy and materials security and many other important elements supporting the transition from ICE to BEV. Well done to the folks in Cornwall, working hard to make this critical investment in the UK Lithium future, just super news.”

At EVC Solutions, we see this as a turning point for the UK’s EV transition. Secure access to key materials like lithium will help stabilise battery costs, accelerate infrastructure rollout, and ensure businesses can invest in EV fleets and charging infrastructure with confidence.

It’s another reminder that the UK’s electric future isn’t just possible - it’s already being built.

Book an appointment today and see what’s possible.

Beyond the Trend: Why EV Adoption Is Simply Better Business

For years, conversations around electric vehicles have sounded futuristic, even idealistic.
But that narrative is outdated.

Across the UK, a quiet shift has taken hold in boardrooms, fleet depots, and hotel car parks. Businesses are no longer asking if they should go electric, but how fast they can make it happen.

Because EV adoption isn’t a trend anymore. It’s an upgrade.

The Business Case Has Flipped

Fleet managers, hospitality operators, and property developers aren’t moving to EVs to “go green” or chase headlines. They’re doing it because it’s the only model that scales sustainably, financially, operationally, and reputationally.

Businesses that have already made the switch know: once you’ve lived in the world of clean mobility, it’s hard to imagine ever going back to fumes and friction.

From Compliance to Competitive Advantage

What started as a sustainability target has become a competitive differentiator.

Fleet operators are using EV transition to reduce downtime and improve reliability. Hotels and leisure operators are attracting higher-value guests by offering EV charging as a premium service. Developers are embedding charging infrastructure early to future-proof assets and meet planning requirements with ease.

And as regulation tightens, from the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate to expanding Clean Air Zones, those ahead of the curve will find themselves with both compliance and commercial advantage.

Simply put: the companies that act now will own the space later.

Why EVC Solutions Exists

At EVC Solutions, we make the transition to EVs simple, strategic, and sustainable.

We guide every client through a clear, five-step journey:

  1. Consultation – understanding your goals and operations
  2. Survey – assessing your site, grid capacity, and opportunities
  3. Design – creating a bespoke infrastructure plan that scales
  4. Installation – delivering safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption
  5. Management & Support – monitoring, optimising, and maintaining long-term reliability

It’s not just about installing charge points. It’s about giving you the confidence that your investment is future-proof, technically, financially, and reputationally.

A Smarter Standard

Transitioning to EVs isn’t about chasing innovation for its own sake.
It’s about making business simpler, cleaner, and smarter.

The companies moving first aren’t experimental. They’re pragmatic.
They’ve seen the data, tested the technology, and understood that sustainability and profitability are no longer opposites, they’re the same path.

At EVC Solutions, we help you walk it with confidence.

Book an appointment today and see what’s possible.

EV Transition Reaches a Tipping Point: Falling Costs, Stronger Incentives, and Fleet Innovation Driving Change

For years, the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) has been framed as something 'just around the corner.' But recent developments suggest the corner has finally been turned. From falling vehicle prices and growing government incentives, to record-high adoption rates and innovative fleet strategies, the UK is entering a new phase where electrification makes both economic and operational sense.

Prices Are Normalising

Once considered a premium choice, EVs are now closing the cost gap with petrol and diesel models. Industry data shows the upfront price difference between new EVs and their internal combustion engine (ICE) equivalents has fallen to under 20% (the lowest on record). Several models are now available below £20,000, with a wide range of mainstream fleet choices priced in the £28,000–£35,000 bracket.

Meanwhile, used EV values have stabilised, creating a predictable second-hand market and a solid base of buyers. For fleet operators, this marks a turning point: whole-life costs are now competitive without having to rely solely on environmental or tax benefits to justify the business case.

Incentives Are Catalysing Change

Government grants and funding schemes are proving crucial in accelerating adoption. The Electric Car Grant has prompted manufacturers to cut prices and introduce new models under £37,000, driving demand and ensuring greater affordability.

For fleets, the urgency is even greater. The Depot Charging Scheme (DCS) covers up to 75% of depot chargepoint installation costs (up to £1m per organisation), but applications close in November. Those who delay risk missing out on significant funding support. Further deadlines for workplace charging schemes are approaching in early 2026, meaning operators must act now to avoid higher costs later.

Charging and Infrastructure Are Key

While prices are falling, charging availability remains the single biggest adoption trigger. Drivers without driveways or off-street parking still face a 'charging divide,' highlighting the need for expanded kerbside, workplace, and depot infrastructure. Businesses that invest in reliable, future-proof charging will gain a commercial advantage while also helping to close this accessibility gap.

Fleets Leading the Way in Sustainability

Major businesses are already proving what’s possible. AkzoNobel, for example, is rolling out electric heavy goods vehicles (eHGVs) alongside a nationwide fleet powered by hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO). In partnership with XPO Logistics, the initiative will cut annual fleet emissions by more than 50%, saving 3,000 tonnes of CO2, which is the equivalent of removing over 650 passenger cars from UK roads.

This dual approach demonstrates how fleets can balance urban electrification with nationwide decarbonisation, achieving immediate, measurable emissions reductions while preparing for a zero-emission future.

The Message Is Clear

The UK EV market is no longer waiting for its tipping point. It's happening now. Falling prices, stabilising residuals, strong government support, and innovative fleet leadership are aligning to make electrification the logical choice.

For businesses, the opportunity is twofold: lower operating costs and stronger sustainability credentials. But timing is critical. Those who act decisively today by securing funding, upgrading infrastructure, and modernising fleets, will not only stay compliant but also gain a competitive edge in tomorrow’s low-carbon economy.

The transition to electric isn’t a future challenge anymore. It’s today’s business opportunity.

Book an appointment today and see what’s possible.

Busting EV Myths: Why Accurate Information and Reliable Charging Infrastructure Are Key to Adoption

A new nationwide study by char.gy has highlighted something we at EVC Solutions see every day: misinformation remains one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption.

The report, What Everyone Should Know About EVs, shows that simple fact-based statements such as “EV batteries last 10–15 years”, significantly increase drivers’ willingness to consider going electric. Yet, despite advances in technology and infrastructure, outdated myths around range, cost, and charging availability still dominate public perception.

Key Findings from the Report

Why This Matters for Businesses and Fleets

The findings are clear: charging availability and reliability are now the decisive factors for EV adoption. For businesses and fleets, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity.

At EVC Solutions, we make sure your business doesn’t get left behind in this transition. By providing end-to-end charging infrastructure, from consultation and survey through to design, installation, and ongoing management, we remove uncertainty and future-proof your investment.

Our Promise

We simplify the journey into five clear steps:

  1. Consultation – understanding your needs and goals.
  2. Survey – assessing your site and opportunities.
  3. Design – creating a bespoke charging solution.
  4. Installation – delivered with precision and reliability.
  5. Management & Support – ensuring your system runs smoothly long term.

With misinformation rife, the businesses that act decisively on charging infrastructure will be the ones who not only support their drivers but also strengthen their sustainability credentials and stay ahead of regulation.

At EVC Solutions, we believe no one should lose their job for choosing the wrong EV charging partner. We deliver certainty in an uncertain market.

Book an appointment today and see what’s possible.

Fleet Electrification in 2025: Why Charging Infrastructure is the Missing Piece

The conversation around electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK has moved from if to how fast. With government mandates, falling vehicle costs, and stronger infrastructure in place, fleets now sit at the centre of the transition.

But the reality is more complex: hesitancy remains, costs still weigh heavily, and many managers are unsure how to balance compliance, cost, and practicality.

At EVC Solutions, we specialise in helping fleet and depot operators cut through that complexity, designing and delivering reliable charging infrastructure that makes EV adoption seamless and future-proof.

Fleets Face Pressure and Opportunity

Four recent reports highlight both the urgency and the barriers:

Why Infrastructure is the Key

Many businesses delay electrification because of uncertainty:

The answer lies in smart, well-planned infrastructure. With the right system in place, fleets gain:

How EVC Solutions Helps

We provide an end-to-end service tailored to fleets and depot operators:

  1. Consultation – understanding your fleet, routes, and operational pressures.
  2. Survey – assessing depot power capacity and site-specific opportunities.
  3. Design – building a bespoke, scalable charging plan.
  4. Installation – precise, reliable delivery with minimal disruption.
  5. Management & Support – monitoring, optimisation, and driver support.

We also guide clients through funding schemes like the Workplace Charging Scheme and fleet infrastructure grants, ensuring you maximise available support.

The Bottom Line

The EV transition isn’t a future challenge, it’s today’s reality. Fleet managers who act now will benefit from:

Book an appointment today and see what’s possible.

Fleet Electrification Without the Wait: Overcoming Grid Connection Bottlenecks

For fleet managers across the UK, the pressure to transition from diesel to electric vehicles is mounting. Sustainability commitments, emissions regulations, and rising fuel costs are all driving the shift. But one major obstacle is slowing progress: grid connection delays.

According to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, some businesses face waits of up to 15 years to secure a grid connection for EV charging infrastructure. For logistics, delivery, and bus operators, that kind of delay isn’t just frustrating, it’s commercially unworkable.

So, how can businesses keep their decarbonisation plans on track without waiting over a decade?

Alternative Power Solutions for Fleets

Recent industry developments have highlighted the role of biogas-powered fuel cells and battery storage as a 'bridge' to electrification. These systems generate reliable, off-grid electricity, helping fleets start their EV journey without waiting for grid upgrades.

It’s clear that alternative energy solutions can play a role in unlocking stalled EV adoption. But they’re only part of the picture. The real challenge is knowing which strategy is right for your fleet and how to implement it seamlessly.

Why a Strategic Approach Matters

The transition to zero-emission fleets isn’t just about plugging in chargers. It requires a careful, structured approach that balances energy supply, operational needs, and future growth. At EVC Solutions, we’ve seen too many businesses hesitate because the path forward feels uncertain. That’s why we provide a proven five-step journey:

  1. Consultation: Understand your fleet’s needs and decarbonisation goals.
  2. Survey: Assess your site’s infrastructure, energy demands, and opportunities.
  3. Design: Create a bespoke EV charging plan that’s scalable and future-proof.
  4. Installation: Deliver high-quality, reliable infrastructure with minimal disruption.
  5. Management & Support: Monitor, optimise, and maintain your system for peace of mind.

This framework means your investment isn’t just about solving today’s challenges, it’s about building a solution that works for the long term.

The ROI of Acting Now

Delaying electrification comes with hidden costs: rising fuel expenses, lost opportunities for sustainability leadership, and the risk of falling behind competitors. By contrast, businesses that act now can:

Even where grid connections are delayed, EVC Solutions helps clients explore phased strategies, interim power solutions, and funding opportunities to keep progress moving.

Future-Proof Your Fleet with EVC Solutions

Fleet electrification is a complex journey, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At EVC Solutions, we simplify the process, providing clear advice, bespoke designs, and end-to-end delivery so you can electrify with confidence.

Whether you’re considering interim solutions like fuel-cell power or planning for a large-scale depot upgrade, we’ll make sure your charging infrastructure is reliable, compliant, and future-ready.

Don’t wait 15 years for the grid. Book an appointment with EVC Solutions today and see what’s possible.