Fleet Challenges & Opportunities In 2026
As 2026 gets underway, the Government has focused on accelerating the transition to zero-emission vehicles through a combination of awareness campaigns, grant support, and regulatory consultations. Below is a summary of the latest developments which happened in January, and what they mean for you and your fleet.
For a quick video overview, hear from Danielle Fearon, Fleet Consultant who talks us through the key points.
The Government’s EV campaign launch: Get the Electric Feeling
The Department for Transport has launched a new EV awareness campaign, Get the Electric Feeling, designed to accelerate uptake by highlighting the financial and practical benefits of switching to an electric vehicle. The consumer-facing campaign emphasises messages familiar to fleet operators, including lower running costs, reduced maintenance, and continued expansion of the public charging network.
By normalising EV usage and addressing common concerns, the campaign may ease driver transition and improve driver confidence, which will ultimately benefit wider electrification within fleet operations.
Get the Electric Feeling
Supercharging the EV Transition – Call for Evidence
The Transport Select Committee’s Supercharging the EV Transition inquiry closed at the end of January. The call for evidence looked at how the Government can accelerate EV adoption, with key themes including charging infrastructure rollout, EV affordability, the used market, and consumer confidence.
Zenith submitted a response, and outcomes from this are likely to influence future incentives and infrastructure policy. We’ll share more information once the results have been published.
Plug-in Van Grant: Latest position
From 6 January 2026, the Plug-in Van Grant no longer supports plug-in hybrid vans, and funding is now restricted to fully zero-emission vehicles. This change reinforces the Government’s intention to prioritise electric vans as part of its wider decarbonisation strategy, and brings it in line with other schemes designed to support the transition.
Grant rates for zero emission vans remain the same, at up to £5,000 for a large van and up to £2,500 for a small van.
HGV Consultation: CO2 regulatory framework
Alongside LCV initiatives, the Government has launched a consultation on a new HGV emissions framework. The consultation is looking for views on options to reduce emissions from new HGVs, and to support the phasing out of new petrol or diesel trucks. To date, this is currently set at 2035 for vehicles up to 26 tonnes, and 2040 for non-zero-emission HGVs.
The consultation, which closes on 17 March 2026, will look at how “zero emission” should be defined, vehicle categorisation, flexibilities and penalties, and future CO2 reduction trajectories. For fleet managers, the consultation presents an opportunity to influence the design of long-term regulations for HGVs
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