The UK Government has launched a new grant scheme to support the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure at fleet depots. The Depot Charging Scheme, which opened on 16 July 2025, aims to support public and private sector operators in covering the costs of preparing depot sites for battery-electric vans, HGVs, and coaches.
Eligible applicants can apply for up to £1 million in funding, covering up to 75% of the costs associated with chargepoint installation and related civil works. The scheme applies across the UK, excluding the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man, and is open until 28 November 2025 or until funding is exhausted.
The scheme forms part of the UK’s broader strategy to decarbonise road freight and public sector transport, working in tandem with the Plug-in Van and Truck Grants already available for the purchase of electric vehicles.
What does the scheme offer?
The Department for Transport will cover up to 75% of eligible costs, including:
- The purchase cost of chargepoints (any type or speed, depending on fleet requirements),
- Associated civil engineering and electrical works required to install and energise the infrastructure.
- The cost of electric vehicles and grid connection upgrades is excluded from the grant.
Applicants can apply for funding across multiple sites, provided all locations meet the criteria, but only one application per organisation will be accepted. The maximum grant amount is capped at £1 million across all sites.
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Who is eligible?
The scheme is open to public and private sector fleets, local authorities, and non-profit organisations operating in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland (excluding the Channel Islands and Isle of Man).
To qualify, applicants must:
Be a registered UK fleet operator with at least one year of operating history;
- Own or lease at least one battery-electric HGV, van or coach;
- Own or have landlord permission to install infrastructure at the site(s);
- Have sufficient grid capacity at the depot(s);
- Commit to completing all installation works by 31 March 2026;
- Ensure commercial vehicles are the primary users of the funded infrastructure.
Operators are also encouraged to share charging infrastructure with other local businesses, subject to pricing rules outlined in the government’s Grant Funding Agreement.
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Application process and deadlines
The Depot Charging Scheme follows a two-stage application process:
- Initial application, outlining the organisation’s services, fleet, site status, infrastructure needs, and predicted costs;
- Second-stage review, requiring detailed delivery plans, permissions, financing, and a full cost breakdown.
Applications are open from 16 July 2025 and will close on 28 November 2025, or earlier if the allocated funding is exhausted. All infrastructure must be installed by 31 March 2026, with final cost claims submitted by 31 May 2026.
Successful applicants will be asked to sign the government’s Grant Funding Agreement. Any infrastructure installed prior to the agreement date will not be eligible for funding.
Supporting decarbonisation of commercial fleets
The UK Government says the scheme is designed to unlock private investment in zero-emission transport and overcome the high up-front costs of infrastructure installation that often prevent smaller operators from electrifying their fleets.
“By part-funding both the vehicle and the infrastructure,” the Department for Transport said, “the Government seeks to support operators in installing reliable charging infrastructure at their depots for any battery-electric vehicle purchased.”
This latest funding follows the 13 July announcement of a wider £63 million EV investment package, which includes support for NHS fleet electrification, at-home charging for households without driveways, and chargepoint signage improvements.
Why does this matter to hauliers
The lack of depot charging infrastructure has long been cited as a major barrier to the electrification of heavy-duty commercial vehicles. With range and recharging times still posing challenges for long-haul operations, depot-based overnight charging remains a key enabler for electrifying urban and regional delivery fleets.
By easing infrastructure costs, the Depot Charging Scheme could significantly lower the barriers for hauliers looking to invest in battery-electric HGVs, especially when combined with existing vehicle purchase grants and the UK’s Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.
How to apply
Full details and the application portal are available on the government’s official website. The application process requires supporting evidence such as:
- Proof of electric vehicle ownership or orders,
- Site permissions and grid capacity documentation,
- Itemised quotes for predicted project costs,
- Confirmation from senior leadership.
Fleet operators considering the transition to zero-emission vehicles are urged to act early, as funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis until it runs out.
