The Department for Transport announced a £120 million extension of the plug-in van grant program as part of a £2.3 billion zero-emission vehicle initiative.
The program offers businesses and individuals up to £2,500 for electric vans under 2.5 tonnes and £5,000 for larger vans up to 4.25 tonnes.
Since its 2012 launch, the grant has supported 80,000 zero-emission van purchases.
The government is simplifying electric van regulations by removing additional training requirements. Drivers with standard Category B licenses can now operate electric vans up to 4.25 tonnes — previously limited to 3.5 tonnes without specialized training.
“We’re making it easier, faster and cheaper for people to switch to electric vehicles,” said Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood. “By making the transition to zero emissions a success, we’re helping to drive growth all over the UK.”
The package includes several additional measures:
- Extending the £500 electric motorbike grant through April 2026
- Increasing the plug-in wheelchair accessible vehicle grant cap from £35,000 to £50,000
- Introducing £4,000 grants for zero-emission black cabs
The training requirement change acknowledges that electric vans weigh more than conventional vehicles due to battery systems, despite having identical cargo capacity.
The DfT’s decision replaces the existing taxi grant program, which expires in April. The new initiative maintains support for zero-emission vehicle adoption while streamlining requirements for commercial drivers.
“From van drivers and businesses, to drivers with accessibility needs, bikers and cabbies, today we are making it easier, faster and cheaper for people to switch to electric vehicles,” Greenwood said.
The extension aims to accelerate commercial fleet electrification while supporting the government’s broader emissions reduction targets.
