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Is this the smartest way to buy an electric van? 🚐💨 Today we’re doing a special handover of a used Mercedes-Benz eVito to Trina, the owner of Bee & Bottle Ceramics. What makes this handover incredible isn't just the van—it's how she paid for it. With the help of the Rural England Prosperity Fund and Bedford Borough Council, Trina secured an £11,000 grant to transition her business to sustainable, emission-free transport. In this video, we break down why the eVito is such a bargain on the used market, the specs you need to know, and how small businesses can leverage government leveling-up money to go electric. The Mercedes-Benz eVito Specs: Battery: 66kWh (The long-range version!) Range: 166 miles official (approx. 140-150 real world). Charging: Rapid 100kW DC charging (or 7/11kW at home).20-30 Miles per hour at home and 100 miles in 30 mins for rapid charging Capacity: 900kg payload and 6 cubic meters of space. Price: This 23,000-mile beauty cost just £13,800—incredible value! Why this matters for your business: Trina’s business is built on sustainability and heritage crafts. By moving from her personal car to an electric van, she isn't just saving on fuel; she's proving her green credentials to big corporate clients who prioritize sustainable partners. Want to see if you're eligible for a grant? Check your local borough council's website for "Leveling Up" or "Prosperity Fund" opportunities! Full details below. Key Timestamps 0:00 - The £13,800 Electric Mercedes? 0:45 - eVito Specs: Range, Battery, and Charging 1:30 - Practicality & The 2-Meter Height Warning 2:15 - Meet the Owner: Bee & Bottle Ceramics 3:05 - THE HOOK: How to get an £11,000 Council Grant 4:40 - Why Sustainability wins you more business 5:30 - The Handover: Let’s get driving! Here are the specific links to the grant pages and additional information regarding the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) and related business support in Bedford Borough. Direct Grant & Application Links REPF Business Grant Landing Page: This is the primary hub for investment information in Bedford Borough. Invest in Bedford - UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) -https://www.bedford.gov.uk/business/invest-bedford/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-ukspf The "Rural" Fund & Net Zero Support The Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF) is a capital grant scheme specifically targeting micro and small enterprises in eligible rural areas of the borough. It is an addendum to the wider UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), which is part of the government's "levelling up" agenda. Key Program Details: Funding Purpose: The grant provides capital funding for small-scale investments, including net-zero infrastructure (like electric vehicles and charging) and the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Match Funding: The REPF grant typically provides up to 70% of project costs, requiring the business to provide the remaining 30% as co-funding. Step into Net Zero: For businesses looking for specialized guidance before applying for a grant, the South Midlands Growth Hub offers a "Step into Net Zero" program funded by the UKSPF. Step into Net Zero - South Midlands Growth Hub - https://growthhub.southmidlands.org.uk/step-into-net-zero/ #electricvehicles #vehiclereview #freemoney #ev