Skip to content
Policy & Market
United Kingdom

UK fleet sector calls for VAT cuts on public charging and grid reform ahead of Autumn Budget 2026

By Eve

With the Autumn Budget set for 28 October, fleet operators are urging Chancellor John Healey to reduce VAT on public EV charging and accelerate grid reforms to ease fleet electrification. The sector also seeks clarity on fuel duty, which is legislated to rise from 5p per litre now to 8p in January and 10p in March. Paul Holland of Corpay said uncertainty over fuel costs complicates 2027 planning, as fuel remains a major expense affecting vehicle investment and budgets.

Why it matters

Lower VAT on public charging would improve the business case for fleet electrification, while grid reform could unlock faster depot infrastructure rollout. Fuel duty clarity is critical for fleet operators weighing the timing and scale of EV adoption against diesel operating costs.

Source

Original title
“Autumn Budget 2026: Industry calls for EV support through VAT cuts and grid reform”
Published
15 October 2026
Updated
16 October 2026

In this story

Related news

TfL consults on zero-emission mandate for new private hire vehicles from July 2028

Transport for London has opened a consultation running until 2 December 2026 on requiring all newly licensed private hire vehicles to be zero-emission from July 2028, with wheelchair accessible vehicles following in July 2030. TfL forecasts the proposals would cut private hire vehicle NOx emissions by 9% and CO2 emissions by 35% over the first ten years, rising to a 97% reduction over eighteen years. More than 70% of private hire vehicles are now zero-emission capable, though many still produce exhaust emissions when not operating in electric mode.

Why it matters

The consultation sets a firm timeline for zero-emission private hire licensing in London, signalling demand for charging infrastructure to support a fleet transition and giving vehicle manufacturers clarity on wheelchair accessible vehicle requirements. Operators and charge point providers will need to plan for increased electric vehicle adoption across the private hire sector from 2028 onwards.

United Kingdom
22 Oct 2026

TfL (uk) · Source

Budget incentives could spur 61% of drivers to buy EVs sooner

A survey of 1,500 UK drivers by road safety technology company Ooono found that 61% would consider bringing forward an electric vehicle purchase if the Government introduced additional financial incentives in the Autumn Budget. Of those surveyed, 21% said they would definitely accelerate their EV purchase with new incentives, while 40% said they possibly would, and 11% are already planning to purchase an electric vehicle. However, 55% of respondents cited concerns over government support and the possibility of additional charges, such as electric Vehicle Excise Duty pay per mile taxation, as reasons not to make the switch.

Why it matters

The research suggests that government policy decisions on incentives and taxation could significantly influence the pace of EV adoption in Britain, which in turn affects the scale and timing of charging infrastructure investment needed to support the transition. Uncertainty over future policy is currently holding back potential EV buyers, creating unpredictability for charge point operators planning network expansion.

United Kingdom
22 Oct 2026

Source

30 climate and health groups warn UK government against weakening ZEV mandate

A coalition of 30 organisations, including WWF, Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth, has warned the UK government that diluting the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate would be an act of economic self harm. A formal consultation is underway exploring options to lower annual percentage targets for new zero emission cars and vans, with the Financial Times reporting that the Burnham administration is now considering a 60% target for 2030, up from an earlier proposal of 50% but down from the current 80% requirement. The 100% zero emission target for 2035 remains fixed.

Why it matters

Any weakening of the ZEV mandate could slow EV adoption rates and reduce the urgency for charge point operators to expand infrastructure ahead of 2030. Lower sales targets may also affect public sector procurement timelines and the business case for workplace and destination charging investments.

United Kingdom
21 Oct 2026

Source