A leading electrical engineering specialist today urged commercial transport dealerships across Shropshire to act quickly to take advantage of an £18 million funding boost for electric trucks.

The increase to the government’s Plug-in Truck Grant will cut up to £120,000 from the cost of a new electric truck until March.

Joe Collison, managing director of Shropshire based CES, welcomed the move and called on dealerships to act now to secure the maximum benefit for their customers.

He also highlighted the need for dealerships and operators to work together to ensure charging infrastructure is in place so new trucks can be put into service immediately.

Joe said: “This funding is a real boost for the sector at a time when businesses are under pressure to cut emissions and modernise their fleets.

“The three-month window for the extra support means dealerships that act now will be in the strongest position to help customers make the switch to electric.

“There is already genuine demand for charging infrastructure from commercial vehicle dealerships and this will only increase. Dealerships need to help customers plan for this by bringing reliable installation experts in early.

“CES has years of experience in installing heavy duty vehicle chargers and is ready to support dealerships and operators to ensure they can take full advantage of this opportunity.”

Under the new grant levels, fleets buying smaller electric trucks of 4.25t to 12t can save up to £20,000, up from £16,000. The grant for mid-sized trucks of 12 to 18t has increased to £60,000, for trucks of 18 to 26t it has risen to £80,000 and the £120,000 discount applies to trucks of 26t and over.

CES enjoyed record breaking turnover last year and has become a trusted partner for organisations investing in electric vehicle infrastructure.

The Shropshire-based company, which operates nationwide, recently completed a major solar installation at a commercial transport dealership in Leicestershire in partnership with Ample Power.