Grab a fresh brew and pull up a chair. If you’ve been sitting on the fence about electrifying your heavy fleet because of that eye-watering upfront price tag, the Department for Transport (DfT) just gave you a very compelling reason to jump.
As of today, January 6th, the government has completely overhauled the Plug-in Truck Grant (PiTrG) and tightened the screws on the Plug-in Van Grant (PiVG). It’s a classic "carrot and stick" move, and here at the EV Cafe, we’ve got the breakdown on what this means for your fleet.
The Big Win: Huge Hikes for Heavy Trucks
Let’s talk numbers, because they are significant. The old "small and large" categories for trucks are gone. In their place, we have four new weight-based brackets with some seriously beefed-up subsidies.
If you’re looking at the heavy end of the scale, the grant has more than quadrupled in some cases.
| Vehicle Weight (Tonnes) | New Grant Limit (up to) |
|---|---|
| 4.25t to 12t | £20,000 |
| 12t to 18t | £60,000 |
| 18t to 26t | £80,000 |
| Over 26t | £120,000 |
Note: Grants are capped at 40% of the vehicle cost and apply to Great Britain (NI keeps the old rates for now).
The EV Cafe Take: A £120k discount on a 26t+ rig is a massive statement of intent. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry for heavy haulage and helps bridge that TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) gap we’re always shouting about. But don't dawdle—these rates are currently only guaranteed until March 31st, 2026.
The Van Update: Goodbye, Hybrids
The DfT is also tidying up the Plug-in Van Grant. From today, if it’s got a tailpipe, it’s off the list. The grant is now strictly for battery-electric (ZEV) vans only.
Hybrids and range-extenders are officially "out." If you’ve already got an order on the portal, you’re safe, but from here on out, the government is only putting its money where the zero-emission mouth is. Grant rates for pure EVs stay steady at £2,500 for small vans and £5,000 for large ones.
Your Voice Matters: The New HGV Consultation
It’s not just about the cash; it's about the rules of the road. The government has launched a 10-week consultation on a new CO2 Regulatory Framework for HGVs.
They’ve reaffirmed the big dates:
- 2035: Phase-out of new non-zero emission HGVs up to 26t.
- 2040: The end of the road for all new fossil-fuelled HGVs.
The DfT wants to know how you think the regulatory framework should look to make this happen. This is your chance to tell them what’s working and what’s standing in your way. Please reach out to [email protected] to register your interest in engagement opportunities, or to discuss the consultation further.
The Bottom Line
Today’s news is a clear signal: the "wait and see" period for heavy electric vehicles is ending. With six-figure grants now on the table for the big boys, the business case for 2026 just got a whole lot greener.
"This isn't just a tweak; it’s a full-on turbocharge for the heavy end of the market. It shows the government is finally recognizing that the transition for a 44-tonner is a different beast compared to a family car." — The EV Cafe Team
What’s your move? Are these grants enough to get you to sign on the dotted line for an e-HGV this year? Join us on LinkedIn and let’s get the conversation started.