Switching your commercial fleet to electric is one of the most impactful steps a UK business can take — both for the environment and the bottom line. Lower running costs, reduced maintenance, and zero-emission credentials are compelling on their own, but the government also helps bridge the upfront cost gap through the Plug-In Van Grant (PIVG).
As well as the purchase grant, your business will need EV charging infrastructure — and there are government schemes to help with that too. This guide walks you through everything you need to know, including how the Wuling Atlas fits into the picture.
The Plug-In Van Grant is a UK Government initiative designed to encourage businesses and individuals to choose zero-emission vans over their diesel equivalents. It was first introduced in 2012 to help close the price gap between ultra-low emission vans and conventional diesel alternatives, and has since been extended and updated on multiple occasions.
The grant is applied directly at the point of purchase — there is no lengthy application process for buyers. Provided the van meets the scheme's eligibility criteria, the discount is deducted from the purchase price by the dealer or manufacturer's representative at the time of sale.
Important: The van must be new and purchased at first registration. Eligibility criteria apply, and there are annual limits on the total number of grants available per business, organisation, or individual within a single financial year.
In 2016, the scheme was extended to include a Plug-In Truck Grant (PITrG), and the government has continued to signal its long-term commitment to zero-emission commercial vehicles as part of its road to net zero.
The process is refreshingly straightforward compared to many government schemes:
Purchasing an electric van is only part of the transition. To get the most out of your fleet, you will also need reliable charging infrastructure at your depot or workplace — and there are government grants available to help cover the cost of installation.
Helps businesses cover up to 75% of the cost of purchasing and installing EV charge points at their premises, subject to a per-socket cap.
Supports the installation of EV charging infrastructure at commercial and residential properties, including larger multi-socket setups for fleet operators.
Both schemes are administered through the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV). You can find full details and eligibility criteria on the GOV.UK Workplace Charging Scheme page and the EV Chargepoint & Infrastructure Grant guidance.
The Wuling Atlas is arriving in the UK as a brand-new, purpose-built zero-emission commercial van. With a 440km electric range, 4,000L of cargo volume, a 1,249kg payload, and an on-the-road price of £24,995, it is set to be one of the most competitive electric vans on the UK market.
As the official UK distributor, we are working to ensure the Atlas meets all eligibility criteria for the Plug-In Van Grant at launch. If confirmed, the grant discount would be applied directly at the point of purchase — making the Atlas even more accessible for businesses of all sizes looking to electrify their fleet.
Register your interest today and we will keep you fully informed of the Atlas's grant eligibility status, confirmed pricing, and availability ahead of the UK launch. Our team will reach out directly with all the details you need to make an informed decision for your business.
The UK Government has set an ambitious target for all new van sales to be zero emission at the tailpipe by 2035. With schemes like the PIVG, EV charging grants, and favourable benefit-in-kind tax treatment for electric vehicles, there has never been a better time to start the transition — and the Wuling Atlas is designed to make that step as straightforward as possible.
For the latest information on the Plug-In Van Grant and other government incentives, visit the official GOV.UK guidance page.
Be first in line for confirmed UK pricing, grant eligibility details, and early access opportunities. Our UK team will be in touch directly.