DriveCard Europe, a long-standing provider of fuel card and telematics solutions, has announced its rebrand to Tate Fleet, marking a strategic expansion into comprehensive fleet management, leasing and mobility services.

As part of the Yorkshire-based Tate Family of Companies, Tate Fleet consolidates decades of experience in fuel solutions through Tate Oil with a significantly broadened offer, now encompassing vehicle leasing, mobility management, maintenance coordination, and electric vehicle (EV) transition support.

The rebrand reflects a deliberate move to support businesses of all sizes with a more integrated, end-to-end service model. While existing fuel card and telematics services and customer relationships remain unchanged, the Tate Fleet proposition now also includes:

• Vehicle Leasing – Contract Hire, Hire Purchase, and Salary Sacrifice schemes tailored to business needs
• Fleet Mobility Management – Centralised support for compliance, fines, tolls, ULEZ, and driver checks
• Maintenance Management – Nationwide access to 8,000+ service centres, with breakdown and accident support
• Rental Vehicles – Flexible short- and medium-term rental options to supplement core fleets
• EV Strategy & Transition – Advisory services, EV-compatible fuel cards, and charging infrastructure solutions

Tate Fleet positions itself as a strategic partner to fleets of all sizes, offering personalised account management and independent advice on scalable solutions aligned to operational and sustainability goals.

Darren Watkinson, Head of Fleet Mobility & Leasing at Tate Fleet, commented:

“As someone who has worked in the fleet sector for 14 years, I see the industry as providing a service without giving great customer service – and we are here to change that. Our aim with Tate Fleet is to challenge the status quo, making fleet mobility & leasing accessible, empowering, and simple – so that businesses and drivers can focus on the road ahead rather than bureaucratic hurdles.”

“Whether a business runs five vehicles or five hundred, Tate Fleet is equipped to deliver flexible, future-ready solutions that drive efficiency and resilience.”

The UK Government’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNEZ) has published its revised Carbon Budget Delivery Plan. The updated climate plan promises major investment in clean energy, with boosts for solar, wind and heat pump power including streamlined grid access and faster planning approvals.

The strategy outlines how the UK will meet its legally binding carbon targets while unlocking economic growth.

Key measures for solar and renewables

• £1 billion investment in grid upgrades, enabling faster and more reliable connections for solar, wind, and heat pump installations.
• Streamlined planning and permitting, with reforms designed to reduce delays for rooftop and ground-mounted solar projects.
• Support for heat pump adoption, including funding for training and installation, and a commitment to scaling up deployment across homes and businesses.
• Expansion of community energy schemes, with new guidance and financial support to help local groups develop solar and low-carbon projects.
• 400,000 new green jobs by 2030, driven by growth in solar, wind, heat pumps, and energy efficiency sectors.

Heat pumps and warmer homes

The plan places strong emphasis on electrifying heat, with heat pumps identified as a key technology for reducing emissions from buildings. Measures include:

• Increased funding for heat pump rollout, particularly in off-grid and rural areas.
• Workforce development, with new training programmes to grow the installer base.
• Integration with energy efficiency upgrades, helping households lower bills and improve comfort.

Energy Security Secretary Claire Coutinho said the plan “captures the benefits of clean energy” while ensuring the UK remains “a world leader in cutting emissions.” Labour’s Ed Miliband also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to scaling up renewables as a driver of economic growth.

This plan gives solar and heat pump technologies the policy backing they need to thrive. At Tate, we’re ready to help homes, businesses, and communities make the most of these opportunities – especially in rural areas where clean energy can deliver real impact. Watch this space!

Find out about our renewable energy solutions.