Short answer: yes — and how it usually works

Many asset finance lenders and specialist brokers will structure combined packages that cover both EVs and charger infrastructure. Options include a single asset finance facility covering vehicles and equipment, or two linked facilities (vehicle lease + equipment finance) packaged together by a broker so you receive one commercial offer and a single repayment plan. Which approach suits you depends on asset ownership goals, grant timing and whether you want vehicles and chargers on matched terms.

We introduce businesses to lenders and brokers who can price combined packages for projects from around £10,000+ upwards. Your matched partner will explain lender eligibility and provide regulated advice if required.

What a combined EV fleet + charger finance package covers

Vehicles (EVs)

• Light commercial vans and passenger cars — new or used.
• Specialist vehicles — refrigerated vans, swap-body vehicles, small HGVs as permitted by the lender.
• Battery leasing or separable battery assets where offered.

Charger infrastructure

• AC workplace and depot chargers (slow & fast, typically 3–22kW).
• DC fast / rapid chargers for depot or public-facing installations.
• Smart charging hardware, network management, telemetry and back-office systems.
• Civils, cabling, electrical upgrades, meter changes and gaining wayleaves where required.
• Installation, commissioning and optional O&M (operations & maintenance) contracts.

Optional add-ons lenders may include

• Fleet telematics and battery performance monitoring.
• Extended warranties, insurance packages or maintenance plans.
• Working capital top-ups if you need to bridge grant receipts or phase purchases.

Common finance routes (mechanics)

Asset finance / equipment finance

Most common for chargers and vehicles when you want to capitalise the assets on balance sheet (HP, finance lease). The asset is the security; terms are set to the life of the asset — chargers often financed over 3–7 years, vehicles typically 3–5+ years depending on type.

Operating lease / contract hire

Popular for fleets (especially large operators): vehicles remain the lessor’s asset, predictable monthly rentals and fleet management options. Separate equipment leases can be arranged for chargers or bundled if the lessor supports it.

Hire purchase / chattel mortgage

Used when you want ownership at the end of the term. VAT treatment and ownership timing differ compared with leasing, so discuss with tax advisers.

Green loans / sustainability-linked facilities

Some lenders offer green-labelled loans with incentives for meeting sustainability KPIs. These can sometimes combine vehicle and infrastructure finance under one sustainability facility.

Two linked facilities vs single facility

Brokers frequently present either a single blended facility or two linked facilities (vehicle + equipment) that are commercially packaged together. Single facilities reduce paperwork and produce one monthly payment; linked facilities can provide better term-matching (longer for vehicles, shorter for chargers).

Grants, incentives and tax considerations (UK-specific)

Available grants (e.g. workplace charging or local authority schemes) and capital allowance rules affect how funders underwrite deals. Common points to understand:

• Many lenders underwrite finance based on the confirmed net cost after grant. Some will advance the gross cost and deduct grant proceeds when received — confirm with your lender.
• VAT treatment varies: VAT on vehicles and on chargers is treated differently depending on ownership, business use and lease type — check with your accountant.
• First-year capital allowances or enhanced allowances for low-emission assets may be available. Financial and tax advice should come from your accountant — this page is for general information only.
• Grants, procurement times and installer accreditation can affect the timing of funding and drawdowns; plan for a possible gap between funding offer and receipt of grant funds.

Typical deal structure & real-world examples (illustrative)

Example 1 — Retail chain (illustrative only)

Scenario: 6 electric vans + 4 smart AC depot chargers. Structure: single hire purchase for vans over 4 years; equipment finance for chargers over 5 years packaged by a broker. Grant applied to charger cost; lender advances net amount. Result: one commercial offer coordinating vehicle deliveries with installation schedule.

Example 2 — Regional logistics operator (illustrative only)

Scenario: 20 medium-duty electric trucks + depot rapid DC chargers and site electrical upgrades. Structure: vehicle leases for trucks (operating lease), separate equipment finance for chargers and civils; a short-term working capital facility to bridge grant receipts and site works. Broker coordinated multiple funders to match term lengths and cashflow needs.

Illustrative figures are examples only. Actual rates, terms and eligibility vary by lender.

Eligibility, documentation and timeline

Typical eligibility points and what lenders usually request:

• Business age and turnover thresholds (many lenders prefer at least 12–24 months trading and demonstrable turnover, but specialist lenders can support established SMEs).
• Credit profile of the company and directors.
• Deposit or margin may be required depending on asset age and type.
• Documents: recent company accounts, management accounts, VAT registration, installer quotations, vehicle/asset specifications, and a short plan for fleet transition.

Timeline: a fast broker response can produce an indicative quote within hours; formal underwriting, valuations and grant confirmations typically take 2–6 weeks depending on complexity. Large depot upgrades with civils can take longer due to planning and electrical works.

Pros, cons and practical risks

Pros

• Single commercial package simplifies budgeting and supplier negotiation.
• Potentially better pricing or terms when equipment and vehicles are bundled.
• Coordinated delivery and commissioning timelines reduce project risk.

Cons

• Combined deals can be more complex to underwrite (different asset lives and residual values).
• Dependency on a single funder may increase re-financing complexity later.
• Grant timing can complicate cashflow and drawdown schedules.

Risks & mitigations

• Risk: installer non-performance. Mitigation: use approved installers with warranties and clear contract terms.
• Risk: grant denial/delay. Mitigation: structure finance to allow net-cost funding or short-term bridging finance.
• Risk: mismatched residuals. Mitigation: match vehicle and charger terms appropriately or use two linked facilities.

How to choose the right lender or broker

Ask prospective brokers/lenders:

• How much experience do you have structuring combined EV + charger packages for businesses in my sector?
• How will you treat grant receipts and VAT in the funding structure?
• Which installers do you require or recommend and why?
• What are early repayment or end-of-term obligations and residual value risks?
• Can you package vehicles and equipment into one commercial offer or will you use linked facilities?

Prefer brokers who can show references and case studies for similar projects and who explain fees and any potential costs clearly up front.

Practical next steps — how UK Business Loans helps

UK Business Loans connects businesses to brokers and lenders experienced in EV fleet and charger finance. Our process:

1. Complete our short enquiry — it takes around 2 minutes and is not a loan application.
2. We match you to brokers and lenders who specialise in combined vehicle & equipment finance.
3. You’ll receive rapid contact with indicative options — then the matched partner will guide you through underwriting and grant interactions.

Our service is free and no obligation. Using this service does not affect your credit score. Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer and is not a lender or regulated financial adviser. We connect you to brokers and lenders who will complete lending checks and provide any regulated advice where required.

Get Started — Free Eligibility Check

Frequently asked questions

Can chargers be financed if my vehicles are leased?

Yes. Chargers can usually be financed even when vehicles are on an operating lease. Clarify ownership, VAT and installer warranty arrangements with both the vehicle lessor and the equipment funder.

Will grants reduce the finance available?

Most lenders underwrite on the net cost after confirmed grant. Some will advance gross and deduct grant receipts later — always confirm the lender’s approach before contracting installers.

Can installation civils and electrical upgrades be included?

Often yes — include all firm installer quotes (civils, meter upgrades, cabling) when you request a quote. Funders will assess the full capital cost when underwriting.

How long does combined finance take?

Indicative pricing from brokers: within hours. Formal credit and technical underwriting: typically 2–6 weeks depending on site works and grant timing.

Do I need to use an approved installer?

Many lenders prefer approved installers to ensure warranties and correct commissioning. This requirement varies by funder — ask early in the process.