How money saved from mis-sold energy contracts can help fuel green transport revolution

For the second year running the UK has emerged as Europe’s biggest market by volume for the registration of zero electric buses (ZEBs). 

And with 1,570 new ZEBs hitting the road in 2024, Energy Solicitors Limited (ESL) is doubling down on its mission to free manufacturers from the mis-sold energy contracts stifling growth and eating into profits.

Keen proponents of the move towards a national green transport network — and experts on the UK’s fast-changing energy landscape — ESL want to see greater investment in groundbreaking ZEBs and HGVs.

And that means clawing back cash that might otherwise be wasted.

“Mis-sold energy contracts are one of the greatest scourges of the manufacturing sector right now and it’s money that firms can ill afford to be without,” said ESL’s Victoria Myers.

“Imagine if that money could be better spent boosting ZEB fleets and providing the infrastructure needed to help those fleets flourish.

“Our legal advice and years of experience could make all the difference.”

Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT), hailed the upward curve of ZEB rollouts across the UK.

But he said transport firms require further motivation to make greener choices. 

And Hawes claimed the future of fleet decarbonisation depends upon subsidies as manufacturers grapple with the upfront cost of zero electric buses (ZEBs) and depot upgrades.

“A range of transport options is essential for everyone’s mobility needs to be met, so it was great news that SMMT data published this month shows the number of new buses, coaches and minibuses joining UK roads grew substantially in 2024,” he said.

“Indeed, the highest volume of annual fleet renewal in 16 years is a much needed boost for the sector, still recovering from historically low passenger levels during the pandemic when industry – operators and manufacturers – struggled to stay afloat.

“Passengers are returning, however, and they are increasingly travelling on the very latest, greenest technology, with UK rollout of ZEBs up by a third last year.”