The UK government has announced a new Depot Charging Scheme in an effort to accelerate the
roll-out of zero emission commercial vehicles.
The scheme, which is funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and administered by the Government Grants Management Service (GGMS), will cover up to 75% of EV charging infrastructure costs for fleets that apply.
By part-funding infrastructure, the Depot Charging Scheme is intended to work alongside the existing vehicle incentives for zero emissions vans and HGVs, which part-funds battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
What is covered in the scheme?
The DfT will fund up to 75% of eligible costs, capped at a total of £1million across one or multiple sites per applicant. Eligible costs covered include the purchase cost of charge points of any type or speed (these will need to match the applicants' specific fleet and duty cycle requirements). It will also cover the costs of labour and materials required for the installation and energisation of the charge points, including civil engineering work, electrical components and electrical contractor work. EVs and grid connection costs are not included in the scope of eligible expenditure. This, along with other requirements, is detailed in full on the government website.
WhO can apPLY?
Applicants must be registered fleet operators that have been based in the UK for at least one year upon application. Ownership of the depot and vehicles is not compulsory but those that lease their depot must have landlord consent to install charging infrastructure. Those that do not own their EVs must lease or have ordered at least one BEV van, HGV or coach as part of their vehicle fleet.
The scheme is time limited and will work on a first-come-first-served basis. The grant will close either when funding has been exhausted, or by 28th November 2025 – whichever occurs sooner. Applicants must be able to complete the infrastructure installation at their depot site(s) by 31st March 2026, and they will need to show evidence of sufficient grid capacity on site.
Full eligibility criteria as well as deadlines, how to apply and supporting information is available on the government website.
What opportunities are presented for installers?
The DfT is not compiling a list of approved installers or contractors to undertake the work involved in completing infrastructure installation for successful applicants. The aim is to support as many use cases as possible and therefore flexibility is prioritised over a one-size-fits-all approach. This opens up opportunities for installers to put themselves forward in a bid to win work with funding applicants. Key considerations for installers might be:
The application process
Applicants will be assessed on various details submitted in the first stage of the process, one of which is predicted project costs. Because the scheme operates on a first-come-first-served basis, installers and contractors contacted by funding applicants will need to act quickly to assess the job, return quotes and supply all requested information
Timeframe to complete Work
The completed works deadline of 31st March 2026 is relatively tight, especially if it’s a large site or if multiple sites are covered in the application. Installers and contractors will need to have efficient processes and adequate resources in place to ensure work can be completed by the scheme deadline.
Encouragement of DEpot Sharing
While it’s not compulsory for fleet operators to put depot sharing in place for funded infrastructure, it is allowed and encouraged. Those applicants that include depot sharing intention within their strategy will need hardware that is partnered with software flexible enough to accommodate this.
The role of CENEX and ENergy SAving Trust
These two organisations will collaborate to provide technical and strategic support to applicants, as well as grant administrators. Good knowledge of CENEX and Energy Saving Trust, and their role in the scheme may give installers a competitive edge as they benefit from insights into how the application process is structured, cost benchmarking and assessment frameworks.
Find out more
You can find more information on the Depot Charging Scheme on gov.uk. To speak to us about the Fuuse platform and how it can support you in your bid to win contracts through the Depot Charging scheme, complete the form below:
