Can I finance electric vehicles and on-site charging infrastructure together?
Short answer — Yes, usually you can
Yes, businesses in the UK can typically finance electric vehicles and on-site charging infrastructure together in a single funding package.
The combined approach often simplifies cashflow planning and can increase lender appetite where the project demonstrates operational or sustainability benefits.
Detailed guide — five parts to help you decide and act
Which finance products allow bundled EV + charger funding?
Asset finance is the most common route for bundling vehicles and chargers into one facility.
Under asset finance, items are treated as business assets and lenders structure repayments around useful life, which suits both vehicles and charging equipment.
Hire purchase (HP) and finance leases let you spread the capital cost while preserving working capital, and operating leases can be used if you prefer off-balance-sheet options.
Sustainability or green loans are increasingly popular when projects deliver measurable carbon or energy savings, and some lenders offer preferential terms for accredited low-emission investments.
Vendor or manufacturer packages sometimes bundle EVs, chargers and installation into a single commercial agreement, which can be simple but may limit lender independence.
Typical eligibility and underwriting criteria
Lenders assess both the business and the assets when considering a bundled application.
Common checks include trading history, annual turnover, profitability, cashflow, and any existing lending commitments.
Underwriting also reviews asset value, expected useful life, residual value assumptions, and the technical specification of chargers to ensure they are compatible and durable.
Some lenders prefer established fleets or businesses in asset-rich sectors such as logistics, construction, and retail, where vehicles and chargers can be clearly demonstrated as revenue-generating.
Funding terms will often depend on the quality of quotes for vehicles and electrical installation, energy supply considerations, and whether government grants or incentives apply.
Costs, incentives and how they affect finance choices
Combined projects reduce upfront capital but require careful modelling of total cost of ownership, including installation, maintenance and electricity.
Government incentives such as workplace charging grants and certain VAT treatments can lower the net cost and improve lender risk metrics.
Some lenders will consider expected energy savings and lower running costs of EVs as part of a case for lending, although operational savings are not guaranteed and must be presented conservatively.
Factor in installation complexities: site surveys, electrical upgrades, earthing, meter changes and potential demand management systems can add to upfront costs.
Where grants are available, include evidence of eligibility and timelines in your finance application to avoid drawdown delays.
Practical steps to arrange combined finance
Step 1: Gather detailed quotes for vehicles, chargers and installation from credible suppliers.
Step 2: Prepare financial information — recent accounts, bank statements and turnover projections that include savings or revenue from the project.
Step 3: Choose the type of finance that suits your balance sheet and tax position, for example HP if you want ownership or an operating lease for off-balance-sheet treatment.
Step 4: Check for grants or incentives and whether they must be applied for before finance drawdown.
Step 5: Use a matching service or broker to compare lender appetite, or submit a Quick Quote with Best Business Loans to get matched to suitable providers quickly.
Risks, compliance and lender preferences
Risks include technological obsolescence, lower-than-expected energy savings and changing government policy on grants or tax incentives.
Lenders may require asset lists, maintenance agreements or proof of installation by certified installers to protect asset value.
Some finance providers favour staged drawdowns, where vehicle purchase and charger installation are funded on separate drawdown dates tied to supplier invoices.
Always disclose whether you are also seeking property electrical upgrades or grid connections, as these may be excluded or need specialist funding.
Finally, confirm whether any finance quote is a financial promotion under UK rules and that your business understands all costs and obligations before committing.
How Best Business Loans can help
We do not provide loans.
Best Business Loans helps UK businesses find and compare lenders or brokers that accept combined EV and charger funding requests.
Submit a Quick Quote and our AI-driven platform will match your enquiry to lenders and brokers who actively support sustainable fleet projects.
If you are specifically exploring green or sustainability lending, see our dedicated sustainability loans page for more detail and lender types: Sustainability Loans.
Eligibility checklist for a smooth application
- At least 12 months trading history and recent management accounts or statutory accounts.
- Accurate supplier quotes for EVs, chargers and installation costs.
- Site electrical survey and any required grid upgrade quotes.
- Evidence of grants applied for or expected timescales for support payments.
- Clear use case showing operational benefit or cost savings from EVs and charging.
Key considerations when comparing offers
Compare APR or lease rentals, but also compare residual value assumptions, maintenance inclusions and early termination penalties.
Look for clarity on what is included: supply only, supply and install, warranties, and ongoing support for chargers.
Ask whether insurance, battery replacement responsibility and software updates for smart chargers are included or excluded.
Compliance, clarity and responsible advertising
We aim to be clear, fair and not misleading in line with FCA and ASA guidance for financial promotions.
Best Business Loans acts as an introducer and will not provide regulated lending advice; any finance offers you receive will come from authorised lenders or brokers.
Please review lender-provided terms carefully and seek independent financial or legal advice if you are unsure about obligations.
Next steps — how to get a Quick Quote
Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility checklist and complete our Quick Quote form to start matching to providers.
The process is free, non-binding and designed to introduce you to lenders or brokers who actively fund EV and charging projects.
If you prefer help before applying, contact our UK support team at hello@bestbusinessloans.ai for guidance.
Key takeaways
- Yes — EVs and on-site chargers can usually be financed together via asset finance, leases or green loans.
- Combined funding simplifies cashflow but depends on lender criteria, asset specification and business finances.
- Gather detailed supplier quotes, site surveys and grant evidence before applying to speed approval.
- Best Business Loans can match your enquiry to suitable lenders and brokers — submit a Quick Quote to get started.
Frequently asked questions
Can grants be included in the finance offer?
Some lenders will factor grants into valuation or repayment planning, but you should confirm timing and whether grants reduce the amount to be financed.
Will my energy supplier need to be involved?
Possibly — major installations or EV fleets may require meter upgrades or demand management solutions, and evidence of supplier coordination can be required by lenders.
Are chargers treated the same as vehicles by lenders?
Chargers are typically treated as equipment and can be included as financed assets, but lenders assess charger durability, warranties and installation quality when valuing them.
Ready to see options? Submit a Quick Quote today and let our AI match your business to lenders and brokers who fund EV and charging projects.
Best Business Loans helps you explore relevant finance solutions, but does not provide lending itself. Complete the form to receive tailored matches and next-step advice.