If you’re thinking about switching to an electric van, there’s good news. The government has decided to extend the plug-in van grant until April 2026. That means van drivers and businesses still have time to get a decent discount on a new electric van.

What Is the Plug-in Van Grant?

It’s a government scheme that gives you money off the price of a new electric van. The discount is applied automatically when you buy the van from a dealer, so you don’t need to fill out any forms or apply for anything.

The amount you get depends on the size of the van:

• Small vans (under 2.5 tonnes): up to £2,500 off

• Larger vans (2.5 to 4.25 tonnes): up to £5,000 off

The grant covers 35% of the vehicle’s price, up to the maximum limit. So, the more expensive the van, the closer you’ll get to that cap.

Which Vans Are Eligible?

Not all electric vans qualify. To get the grant, a van must:

• Drive at least 60 miles on electric power alone

• Emit less than 50g of CO₂ per kilometre

Most plug-in hybrids don’t meet these standards, so the grant mainly applies to fully electric vans.

There’s a long list of eligible models, including popular options like the Vauxhall Combo-e, Ford E-Transit, Renault Kangoo E-Tech, and Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo. Whether you’re after something small for city deliveries or a big van for heavy loads, there’s likely a model on the list that suits your needs.

Do You Need to Apply?

Nope. The discount is taken off the price at the dealership, so it’s all sorted when you buy the van. Just make sure the model is eligible, and you’ll automatically get the grant.

What’s Changed?

Alongside the grant extension, the government has also made it easier to drive electric vans. Some electric models are heavier than their petrol or diesel equivalents due to the batteries. Previously, drivers needed extra training to drive these heavier vans — but that rule is being relaxed. So, switching to electric just got a bit simpler.

The government wants all new vans on the road to be electric by 2050 as part of the UK’s plan to cut carbon emissions. Since the grant started, it’s helped fund over 80,000 electric van purchases, and the extension aims to keep that momentum going.

If you’re a business owner, delivery driver, or just someone thinking of making the switch, now’s a good time to consider an electric van. With thousands off the price and fewer hoops to jump through, it’s never been easier to go electric.