CPD Bodies builds UK's first off-grid commercial vehicle conversion workshop in Stockton-on-Tees
By Eve
Construction is underway at CPD Bodies' Stockton-on-Tees headquarters on what the firm claims is the UK's first fully off-grid, renewable-powered commercial vehicle conversion workshop. The facility will run primarily on on-site solar generation supported by battery storage and is designed to cut operational carbon emissions by an estimated 62% in its first year. CPD Bodies, founded in 2009, is a light commercial vehicle sales and conversion specialist holding approvals with Ford, Mercedes-Benz, Renault, Maxus, Stellantis and other major manufacturers, and has also secured certified green electricity for all remaining workshops from 2026 onwards.
Why it matters
The project signals growing investment in low-carbon manufacturing infrastructure for commercial vehicle conversions, potentially strengthening supply chain sustainability credentials for fleet operators procuring converted EVs and ICE vehicles. CPD's move to off-grid renewable power may set a precedent for other conversion specialists seeking to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions in the UK commercial vehicle sector.
Source
- Original title
- “Work underway at UK’s ‘first off-grid CV conversion workshop’”
- Published
- 3 March 2026 (date approximate)
- Updated
- 22 September 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Electric Vehicles
- Place
- United Kingdom
Related news
Kia expects EV3 to become its top-selling electric model in the US
Kia anticipates its EV3, launched in the US in August, will become its best-selling electric vehicle in the country, according to senior product planning manager Young Kim. The model has already achieved this status in Europe, where it was the Hyundai Motor Group's top electric seller in the first half of 2026 with 27,000 sales. The optimism contrasts with subdued rollouts of other affordable EVs, including the new Chevy Bolt, which GM said would have only a limited run to 2027, and the Nissan Leaf, which has sold just 2,318 units in the US this year.
Why it matters
Kia's confidence in the EV3 signals a potential bright spot for affordable EV demand in a market where other manufacturers are scaling back similar offerings. The model's European success and planned US expansion could influence charging infrastructure planning and procurement strategies for networks targeting mass-market EV drivers.
Volkswagen, PowerCo and Gotion plan three European LFP battery sites
Volkswagen Group, its battery subsidiary PowerCo SE, and Chinese battery manufacturer Gotion High-tech are establishing three joint ventures for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production across Europe and North Africa. The agreement covers battery cell manufacturing in Valencia, Spain, and Šurany, Slovakia, plus a new LFP cathode material production facility in Kenitra, Morocco. LFP batteries are forecast to increase their share of the European battery market from approximately 10% today to between 40% and 60% by 2030.
Why it matters
The joint ventures address Europe's current lack of significant LFP production capacity while supporting demand for more affordable electric vehicles through cost effective battery solutions. The partnership extends into joint procurement and sales activities, potentially creating supply chain opportunities for contractors and equipment providers across the three manufacturing sites.
Volkswagen · PowerCo · Gotion · Source
Volkswagen ID.Polo records over 5,000 orders in France in three weeks, best monthly result in a decade
The Volkswagen ID.Polo secured 5,215 orders in France during September 2026, despite arriving in dealerships only on 10 September, marking the brand's strongest monthly performance in the country in nearly 10 years. Total orders since launch have reached 10,022 units, with 78% from private buyers rather than fleet customers. The electric city car has surpassed the best monthly figures of its petrol predecessor, the Polo, which peaked at 4,816 orders in March 2019.
Why it matters
Strong private buyer uptake signals robust consumer demand for affordable electric vehicles, which could accelerate charging infrastructure requirements in urban and residential settings. The rapid rollout pace and volume suggest fleet operators and charge point operators should prepare for increased small EV adoption across France.