Free electric vehicle loans for Bristol businesses

Businesses in Bristol are set to enjoy free electric vehicle loans thanks to a £3 million grant secured by Bristol City Council.

The £3.156 million grant from Highways England is due to help Bristol businesses and organisations switch to electric vehicles and reduce air pollution across the city. As part of this, Bristol City Council is planning to establish an Electric Vehicle Centre of Excellence with a new fleet of EVs.

The centre will provide expert advice on converting vehicle fleets to electric, as well as provide businesses and organisations free EV loans for up to two-months to give them experience of operating with electric.

Funding proved by the councils cabinet will also fund five new EV charge point hubs across the city - four public sites suited to commercial vehicles and one for taxis.

Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “We are dedicated to cleaning up Bristol’s air pollution in the fastest time possible and creating a healthier city. I am delighted we have been able to secure this funding from Highways England, which will enable us to provide the support businesses and organisations need to start making the transition over to cleaner vehicles.

“It is vital we all work together as a city to reduce pollution and having an EV Centre of Excellence will allow us to provide confidence and experience across the city through expert advice and free vehicle loans. By removing some of the barriers and financial risks for businesses and organisations, we can help Bristol to emerge from the pandemic in a more inclusive and sustainable way. We must look at causes of pollution across the board, and as well as encouraging a shift to electric vehicles, we are also working hard to improve walking, cycling and public transport journeys in and around Bristol.”