The Commercial Vehicle Show (CV Show) 2025 is gearing up to be a pivotal event for transport operators, with The EV Café Village and its Decarbonisation Theatre taking centre stage. This collaborative hub has been created to inspire, inform, and accelerate the transition to zero-emission transport.
At the heart of the CV Show’s decarbonisation focus is The EV Café Village and within it, the Decarbonisation Theatre. Together, they bring to life the full EV ecosystem, with 19 innovative businesses coming together to showcase not only the latest electric vans, HGVs, and cargo bikes, but also depot and charging infrastructure and clean energy solutions. From vehicles to power sources, the Village offers an interactive, hands-on experience designed to support fleets at every stage of their journey to net zero.
As part of the Village, the Decarbonisation Theatre will host expert discussions, bringing together voices with hands-on experience in commercial EV deployment, from fleet managers and OEMs to energy providers and policymakers.
A taste of what’s to come from some of the key industry voices on the Decarbonisation Theatre
The AA is in a ‘test and learn’ phase for fleet electrification, trialling a mix of EVs and plug-in hybrids across its operational fleet. Alongside expanding depot infrastructure, it is also developing mobile charging units to support stranded EV drivers.
“Electrifying a fleet isn’t just about switching vehicles, it’s about redesigning the entire support ecosystem,” said Simon Ungless, Commercial Group Fleet Manager at The AA. “We’re developing flexible solutions such as mobile EV chargers to reduce downtime for our drivers. The CV Show is a great space to connect with others who are innovating around these growing needs.”
Image: CV Show
Drax Electric Vehicles offers a full suite of electrification services, from feasibility assessments and vehicle strategy through to the installation and maintenance of infrastructure. With over 14,000 charge points already installed across the UK, it helps businesses make the switch without compromising operational performance.
“Fleet electrification is a complex journey, and it’s crucial to get the infrastructure right from the start, rather than as an afterthought,” said Naomi Jane Nye, Head of Sales at Drax Electric Vehicles. “We focus on getting the planning right from day one: range, dwell times, accessibility and power availability. The CV Show is a fantastic opportunity for fleet operators to tackle the real challenges of charging infrastructure, from power availability to policy considerations.”
Network Rail is focusing on the cultural shift needed for large-scale EV adoption. Alongside dedicated driver training and internal myth-busting campaigns, the team is working to overcome operational constraints, including the limited availability of specialist EVs such as 4x4s and large vans.
“People are open to change when they feel informed and supported,” said Sarah Armitage, Decarbonisation and Vehicle Strategy Manager at Network Rail. “We’re giving our teams hands-on experience, building confidence, and working with suppliers to fill gaps in the market. The CV Show is invaluable for engaging our regional fleet managers and keeping pace with what’s coming next.”
The Welch Group operates a fleet of 80 HGVs, including three fully electric trucks, and was one of the first UK operators to trial an electric rigid as part of Renault’s early demonstrations. The company is also a member of the eFreight 2030 consortium, which is helping to shape the UK’s electric freight future.
“Electric freight isn’t a future idea, it’s already an integral part of our business,” said Chris Welch, Managing Director at Welch Group. “From our first electric rigid trial to building charging hubs on-site, we’ve seen how shared infrastructure and smart energy use can unlock electrification at scale. The CV Show gives us a platform to share what we’ve learned and learn from others too.”
Join the Conversation
The EV Café Village will be at the CV Show, which is run by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) and the Road Haulage Association (RHA), and organised by Nineteen Group, offers practical solutions, strategic insight, and a place to share experiences with others driving change. Visit the Decarbonisation Theatre to connect, learn, and take the next step on the road to zero emissions.
