Construction has begun on what is believed to be the UK’s first fully off-grid renewable-powered commercial vehicle conversion facility, being developed by CPD Bodies at its headquarters in Stockton-on-Tees.
The project represents a significant six-figure investment and is part of CPD’s wider plan to operate entirely on green energy by the end of 2026. When complete, the facility will run primarily on on-site solar generation supported by battery storage, creating a self-sufficient energy ecosystem capable of reducing operational carbon emissions by an estimated 62% in its first year.
Founded in 2009, CPD Bodies has built a reputation as one of the UK’s most agile light commercial vehicle conversion specialists, producing everything from dropsides and tippers to Lutons and specialist conversions for demanding sectors such as utilities and infrastructure.
The new off-grid workshop builds on that reputation by tackling the environmental impact of vehicle manufacturing itself, not just the vehicles that leave the production line.
Alongside the new facility, CPD is also rolling out solar generation across its wider Teesside manufacturing campus while securing certified renewable electricity for its remaining workshops.
The workshop is expected to open during the week commencing 11 May 2026, with customers, suppliers, OEM partners and industry media invited to attend launch events at CPD’s expanded visitor and training centre.
EV Café Takeaway
We talk a lot about decarbonising transport. Less often do we talk about decarbonising the places where vehicles are built and converted.
CPD’s move is a reminder that sustainability isn’t just about what rolls out of the factory gates, it’s about how those vehicles are made in the first place. And there’s something rather fitting about a company converting electric vans doing the work entirely on renewable power.
“They’re a great bunch of guys. They've built that business with blood, sweat and tears. They produce incredible conversion work for some really tough environments, traffic management, construction, utilities, and now they’re putting the sustainability cherry on top with an off-grid conversion facility.”
Paul Kirby