Commercial EVs in the UK
Plain, sourced guides for businesses switching to electric vans and trucks: which vehicle to buy, what charging costs, how it compares with diesel, and the grants and rules that apply.
ZEV mandate review: the consultation on van targets closes on 23 October 2026. See what's proposedGuides
What is a commercial EV?
A commercial EV is a battery-electric vehicle used for work: mostly vans, but also trucks and lorries (eHGVs), minibuses and coaches. In the UK:
- Battery-electric vans were 10.8% of new van sales from January to September 2026, against a ZEV mandate target of 24%. Sales and targets
- 587 zero-emission HGVs were registered in 2025, 1.4% of new HGVs. Electric trucks
- Grants take up to £5,000 off a new electric van and up to £81,000 off the heaviest electric trucks. Van and truck grants
- New petrol and diesel vans can be sold until 2035, and new diesel HGVs until 2035 or 2040, depending on weight. When diesel ends
Each figure is sourced on the linked guide.