Quick answer — and how it works

We act as an introducer: you complete a short enquiry and we match your business to lenders and brokers that specialise in vehicle finance for electric fleets and LCVs. These partners can provide quotes for hire purchase, leases, battery arrangements and bundled charger finance. Submitting an enquiry is free and will not affect your credit score; lenders may carry out credit checks only if you apply. Get your free eligibility check: Get Quote Now.

Note: We only arrange introductions for limited companies and SMEs (loans/leases typically from £10,000 and up). UK Business Loans does not provide loans or regulated financial advice — we put you in touch with providers who do.

Why choose specialist EV / LCV finance?

Electric fleet finance differs from conventional vehicle lending in several ways. EVs and LCVs have different depreciation profiles, battery life considerations and residual value uncertainties. Lenders familiar with EVs price deals around battery warranties, projected mileage and charging strategy.

Specialist brokers and lenders that focus on electric fleets and sustainability can:

• Assess residual value and battery risks accurately to secure competitive terms.
• Structure combined packages that include vehicles, maintenance and chargers.
• Access lenders with appetite for EV fleets, including manufacturers’ finance arms, specialist fleet funders and some high-street lenders.

When searching for electric fleet finance, look for partners with experience in EV fleet roll-outs and depot charging finance — this expertise saves time and improves outcomes.

Types of financing & leasing options we can help you access

Operating lease / Contract hire

Popular for fleets that want predictable monthly costs without ownership. Operating leases usually include maintenance and can be structured around mileage bands. Typical terms: 24–60 months. Best for businesses that want off-balance-sheet operational contracts and managed service options.

Finance lease

Leases where the business takes on more of the asset risk. These can be suitable if you want long-term use but don’t require immediate ownership. VAT treatment depends on contract details and the business VAT status.

Hire Purchase / Conditional Sale

Good for businesses that want to own vehicles at the end of the term. Usually requires a deposit (sometimes 0–20%) and fixed monthly payments. Common terms: 36–60 months. Useful where you want to capitalise the asset.

Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) / separate battery leasing

Some EVs offer battery rental options which reduce vehicle capital cost but add an ongoing battery rental charge. This can be attractive where battery longevity or replacement costs are a concern.

Asset finance / Fleet loans

Loans to purchase fleets outright. Offers flexibility to tailor repayments and include chargers or depot upgrades. Suited to businesses preferring ownership and maximum control over assets.

Bundled deals: vehicle + charger/infrastructure finance

Many lenders and brokers can combine vehicle finance with depot charging infrastructure, including installation and civils. This helps businesses manage total project costs and align repayment terms.

Which option is right depends on your cashflow, balance sheet preference and operational needs. We’ll match you to providers who commonly work with fleet sizes from single LCV replacements up to multi‑vehicle rollouts.

EV-specific issues lenders look at — what affects eligibility & rates

Lenders and brokers assess a mix of company and EV-specific factors:

• Business health: trading history, turnover, profitability and bank statements.
• Fleet profile: vehicle type, mileage, duty cycle and expected contract length.
• Residual value considerations: projected secondary market values and battery warranty terms.
• Charging & infrastructure: depot charging plans and installed capacity can reduce perceived risk.
• Government incentives: confirmed or pending grant support may influence deal structuring.

Practical tip: prepare a short fleet usage summary (typical daily mileage, routes, payloads) — it helps brokers and lenders give a realistic quote faster.

Grants, tax and incentives — what to check

There are government schemes and local incentives that may reduce the net cost of vehicles or chargers (for example workplace charging grants and other support). These schemes change regularly — we recommend confirming eligibility with government sources or your chosen broker. For broader sustainability funding options see our page on sustainability loans.

Do not rely on grant assumptions in your cashflow modelling until eligibility has been confirmed.

Example use-cases: common scenarios we match lenders for

• Single LCV replacement: a trades business replacing one diesel van with an electric LCV via hire purchase to achieve ownership after term.
• Growing delivery fleet: 10–30 LCVs on operating leases with maintenance and depot charger funding wrapped into the package.
• Mixed fleet upgrade: financing a mix of electric 3.5t vans and chargers through an asset finance package to preserve capital.
• Battery-as-a-Service pilot: testing BaaS options for a small sub-fleet to manage initial cash impact.

For each scenario we’ll connect you with brokers and lenders who specialise in that solution so you can compare practical quotes quickly.

What you’ll need to apply — documents & data checklist

Having these ready speeds the process:

• Company registration details and VAT registration (if applicable).
• Recent management accounts or company accounts (usually last 1–2 years).
• Business bank statements (typically 3 months).
• Details of the vehicles required (make/model/spec) and expected mileage.
• Preferred finance type, term and any deposit available.
• Basic director/owner details for credit checks (if required by lender).

Optional but helpful: fleet telemetry or route data to demonstrate realistic mileage and usage.

How UK Business Loans helps — process & typical timescales

1. Complete a short enquiry — takes a few minutes. Free Eligibility Check.
2. We match you to suitable lenders and brokers who understand EV & LCV finance.
3. Expect initial contact (call/email) often within hours during business days.
4. Compare quotes and select the provider to proceed with formal application.

Typical timescales: initial responses within hours; provisional quotes within a few days; formal offers and funding dependent on complexity — from days to a few weeks. We keep the process confidential and there’s no obligation to proceed.

Costs, typical finance ranges & example pricing

Actual rates and fees vary by lender, credit profile and deal structure. Broad examples:

• Hire purchase: deposit 0–20%, terms 36–60 months, then ownership at the end.
• Operating lease: fixed monthly rentals for 24–60 months with mileage bands and optional maintenance add-ons.
• Asset finance/loans: tailored repayments and terms to match cashflow and ownership preferences.

We do not publish APRs here because offers depend on your business profile — complete a short enquiry to Get Quote Now and receive personalised quotes.

Frequently asked questions

Will applying affect my credit score?

No — submitting an enquiry on our site does not affect your credit score. Lenders may carry out checks only if you choose to proceed.

Can I finance chargers and depot infrastructure together with vehicles?

Often, yes. Many finance providers and brokers can bundle vehicles with charger installation and civils, subject to scheme size and lender appetite.

Do you lend directly or provide regulated financial advice?

No. UK Business Loans introduces you to lenders and brokers — we do not lend or give regulated financial advice. Offers and any regulated advice come from the providers you choose to work with.

Are there lenders for businesses with adverse credit?

Some brokers specialise in imperfect credit. Your options depend on circumstances; submit an enquiry to be matched to suitable partners.

Can I include maintenance and servicing in the lease?

Yes. Many operating leases and full-service leases include maintenance and servicing as part of the contract for predictable monthly costs.

What is battery-as-a-service (BaaS)?

BaaS separates the vehicle and battery costs: you pay a recurrent fee to lease the battery while lower vehicle capital cost may apply. It can reduce replacement risk but adds ongoing operating cost — suitability depends on your business model.

Next steps — get matched and compare quotes

If you’re planning to switch to electric LCVs or expand an EV fleet, the fastest way to explore finance options is to complete a short enquiry. We’ll match your business with lenders and brokers experienced in EV fleet solutions so you can compare real quotes quickly. Get Quote Now — Free Eligibility Check.

Important: UK Business Loans is an introducer — we do not lend and do not provide regulated financial advice. We will share your enquiry with selected lenders and brokers who may contact you. Submitting an enquiry is free and will not affect your credit score.

Further reading & resources

• Vehicle finance (internal)
• Asset finance (internal)
• About us (internal)
• Privacy policy (internal)
• Check eligibility with gov.uk (OZEV and workplace charging)