Are electric vans, HGVs and charging infrastructure eligible for finance?

Short answer and context

Yes — most UK funders will finance electric vans, HGVs and charging infrastructure

Yes. In the UK, many commercial funders provide finance for electric vans, zero‑emission HGVs, and EV charging infrastructure via asset finance and related products. Typical options include hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease/contract hire, asset refinance, and unsecured or green loans for charge points.

Eligibility depends on the business profile, the asset being funded, and lender criteria. Funders assess trading history, affordability, credit, vehicle specifications, and installation details for chargers.

Best Business Loans does not lend directly. We help established UK companies explore options and connect with suitable lenders and brokers for your sector and use case.

What types of finance can cover EVs and depot charging?

Finance products broadly fall into two buckets: vehicle funding and infrastructure funding. Many fleets mix both to spread costs and align repayments with operational savings.

Common finance types for electric vans and HGVs

• Hire Purchase (HP): Own the vehicle at term end; VAT normally paid upfront (with deferral options available via some funders), fixed or variable rates, optional balloon for vans/HGVs.
• Finance Lease: Rent the vehicle over a term, pay rentals plus a final payment or secondary “peppercorn” period; VAT paid on rentals.
• Operating Lease/Contract Hire: Off‑balance‑sheet rental in some cases, with mileage/condition return standards and maintenance options.
• Asset Refinance: Release cash from owned EVs or charging assets to improve working capital.

Typical products for charging infrastructure

• Asset Finance (HP/Lease): Can include chargers, back‑office software, pedestals, posts, switchgear, and cabling.
• Unsecured Business Loans/Green Loans: For “soft costs” like groundworks, project management, and DNO upgrade contributions (subject to lender appetite).
• Bundle Finance: Vehicle and charger funding structured together for cashflow alignment.

Some lenders offer green pricing incentives or tailored terms for verified zero‑emission assets. Terms typically range from 24 to 84 months depending on the asset, usage and residual values.

How it works and how to qualify

What’s eligible — and how charging projects are assessed

Most new and many used electric vans are eligible if they meet age/mileage and warranty thresholds. Zero‑emission HGVs can be financed, though availability, residuals, payload, and route profiles matter more than for vans.

For charging infrastructure, funders look at the full scope. For example, charger type (AC vs DC rapid), power rating, manufacturer, software platform, warranty/maintenance cover, and installer credentials.

Installations can include “hard” and “soft” costs. Lender appetite varies, but many will fund hardware and essential electrical works, and some will include civils, cabling and commissioning.

Evidence and cost items often considered

• Formal quotations/invoices for chargers, distribution boards, switchgear and software licences.
• Survey reports, layout drawings, load assessments, and DNO quotes for power upgrades.
• Warranties, O&M plans, and any uptime/SLAs.

Check current UK support schemes. The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) offers a government contribution toward purchase and installation of eligible charge points for workplaces (see gov.uk for latest caps and rules). SMEs may also explore the EV infrastructure grant for staff and fleets for multi‑socket installs at business premises.

Some firms finance after applying the grant to reduce the financed amount. Always confirm grant status before signing finance documents, because changing the net invoice value can affect approvals and VAT treatment.

Criteria, documents and the Best Business Loans matching process

Eligibility is assessed case by case, but most funders look for stable trading and clear EV use cases that stack up operationally. Lenders weigh affordability, credit profile, and asset quality.

Typical criteria and checks

• Business profile: UK limited companies and LLPs with 12–24+ months’ trading, industry experience, and stable turnover.
• Affordability: Bank statements, management accounts, and projections that reflect energy cost savings and maintenance differences for EVs.
• Asset specifics: Vehicle spec sheets, battery warranties, OEM support, service plans, and charger technical details.
• Security: Assets as primary security; director guarantees or debentures may be requested for higher risk or complex installs.
• VAT and tax: VAT treatment differs by product; consult your accountant on capital allowances and full expensing.

Best Business Loans helps you reach the right providers quickly. Our AI matches your scenario to asset‑savvy funders who understand logistics, engineering or depot infrastructure.

If you run a fleet in haulage, courier or distribution, see our sector page for tailored support on logistics business loans and finance routes. We’ll introduce you to lenders or brokers who are active in your niche and open to EV and infrastructure deals.

How our process works

1. Share your goals: Complete a Quick Quote with details of vehicles, chargers, budgets and timescales.
2. AI matching: We identify suitable lenders/brokers based on your sector, asset mix and eligibility signals.
3. Introductions: You speak directly with the finance providers to compare terms and ask questions.
4. You decide: Choose the option that fits your cashflow and operational plan.

It’s free to enquire and there’s no obligation. Any finance is provided by third‑party, FCA‑authorised firms; approvals are always subject to status and lender criteria.

Costs, benefits, incentives, risks and FAQs

EVs can reduce fuel and maintenance costs versus diesel, and chargers can cut public charging spend and downtime. Many fleets structure repayments to track the savings, keeping cashflow neutral or positive.

Consider the total cost of ownership (TCO) including energy tariffs, grid upgrades, vehicle residuals, tyres, and training. For HGVs, route planning and payload are pivotal to realising the benefits.

Explore available support. Some lenders participate in the Growth Guarantee Scheme for eligible businesses, and government schemes like WCS can lower upfront costs. Always check the latest rules on GOV.UK and explore British Business Bank programmes on british-business-bank.co.uk.

Key takeaways

• Eligibility: Electric vans, zero‑emission HGVs and depot/workplace chargers are commonly financeable.
• Products: HP, finance lease, operating lease, asset refinance, and unsecured/green loans.
• Scope: Funding can include chargers, cabling, switchgear, and sometimes civils/installation.
• Criteria: Established trading, affordability evidence, and robust asset specs and warranties.
• Support: Consider WCS and SME infrastructure grants; confirm terms before completing finance.

FAQs

Can I finance used electric vans?

Often yes, subject to age, mileage, and battery warranty coverage. Lenders may set stricter maximums than for ICE vans.

Will finance cover cabling and groundworks for chargers?

Many providers will fund these as part of an integrated project. Appetite varies, so itemised quotations help underwriters assess inclusion.

Do lenders accept seasonal payments for transport operators?

Some do, particularly for sectors with cyclical demand. Ask about seasonal or stepped profiles to match your cashflow.

Can I include maintenance or software in the finance?

With leases or service‑inclusive packages, yes. Ensure software licences, O&M, and uptime SLAs are clearly documented.

What about batteries in electric HGVs — any special checks?

Underwriters look at OEM support, battery warranty terms, and expected State of Health over the term. Clear duty cycle data strengthens the case.

Get Your Free Quick Quote Now to be introduced to lenders and brokers who are currently funding EV fleets and charging projects. It’s fast, secure, and there’s no obligation.

Important information and fairness notice

Best Business Loans is an independent introducer, not a lender or broker, and does not provide financial advice. Information here is for general guidance only and may change; always confirm eligibility, pricing, tax and grant rules with regulated providers and your professional advisers.

Any finance is subject to status, affordability checks and lender criteria. If you fail to keep up repayments, assets used as security (including vehicles or equipment) may be repossessed.