We've shared a guide explaining what the Depot Charging Scheme is, how to apply and its benefits.
On 16 July 2025, the UK government launched a new £30 million Depot Charging Scheme, designed to accelerate the rollout of EV charging infrastructure at commercial and public sector depots. This initiative directly supports the decarbonisation of HGVs, vans, and coaches by funding charge point installations.
Funded through the Department for Transport and delivered by the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), the scheme is administered in partnership with Cenex and the Energy Saving Trust, who provide applicants with technical support, feasibility guidance, and benchmarking insights.
Funding available: £30 million total
Grant value: Up to 75% of eligible costs
Maximum cap: £1 million per applicant
Eligible costs include:
Deadline: 28 November 2025, or until funds are exhausted
Support: Cenex and Energy Saving Trust will assist with planning, procurement, and application documentation
This is the first round of funding under the broader Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) framework, and complements other public initiatives to encourage EV uptake across the UK.
The scheme is open to:
Private sector operators: logistics companies, fleet management firms, retailers, couriers, construction and service fleets
Public sector bodies: local authorities, NHS trusts, emergency services
Depot owners or leaseholders who operate HGVs, vans, or coaches from those premises
Applicants must demonstrate that the depot is active, the vehicles served are part of a decarbonisation strategy, and the infrastructure will be used for regular charging of zero-emission fleet vehicles.
Electrifying your depot brings many commercial and operational advantages:
Cost savings
Electricity is significantly cheaper per mile than diesel or petrol. Combined with lower maintenance costs, EVs can offer meaningful long-term savings, especially when charging at your depot rather than relying on public networks.
Grid reliability
Depot charging avoids the variability of public infrastructure. Vehicles can be charged overnight when grid demand is lower and energy tariffs are cheaper.
Regulatory compliance
Low-emission zones, vehicle bans, and carbon reporting requirements are increasing. Depot infrastructure puts your fleet ahead of future legislation.
Future-proof operations
Installing scalable charging infrastructure now avoids expensive retrofits later. Planning for growth means you can add chargers as your fleet transitions.
Environmental leadership
Demonstrating measurable emissions reductions strengthens your ESG credentials, improves tender competitiveness, and meets investor or board sustainability targets.
Here’s a step-by-step look at what to expect when applying for the Depot Charing Scheme:
Step 1: Site assessment
You’ll have a site assessment of your depot to understand grid connection capacity, energy loads, and any physical or structural challenges.
Step 2: Cost estimates
You’ll receive detailed quotes for hardware, civil works, electrical installation, and software. You must ensure all equipment meets OZEV-approved standards.
Step 3: Pre-application support
Contact Cenex and Energy Saving Trust to review your plans and gather required documentation. This may include fleet profiles, power demand forecasts, and contractor proposals.
Step 4: Submit application
Apply using the official online portal. Applications must include a comprehensive proposal outlining the scope of work, fleet utilisation, cost breakdown, and evidence of vehicle use.
Step 5: Project delivery
Once funding is approved, proceed with installation. You must deliver the project within agreed timelines and retain all receipts and invoices.
Step 6: Reimbursement
After successful installation and documentation review, your grant claim is processed and reimbursed, covering up to 75% of eligible costs.
One of the perks of this scheme is the inclusion of structured technical support from Cenex and Energy Saving Trust. They offer a wealth of knowledge in EV infrastructure, helping fleet operators avoid costly design errors and unnecessary delays.
They can provide:
Depot energy modelling
Grid demand forecasting
Charger specification advice
Load balancing strategies
Guidance on vehicle telematics integration
This means you don’t have to be an EV expert to benefit from the scheme.
The Depot Charging Scheme forms part of the UK’s wider strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Electrifying commercial transport plays a crucial role in this vision, and depot infrastructure is key to enabling that shift.
Beyond individual fleets, the benefits ripple across the economy:
Job creation in EV installation, maintenance, and energy sectors
Stronger local air quality, especially in urban logistics zones
Increased resilience through decentralised energy use
Private investment leverage, as grant funding often stimulates co-investment in green tech
While the scheme provides much-needed capital support, other barriers remain:
Grid capacity constraints can slow connection times
Planning permissions for some depots may delay works
Training and change management are essential for drivers, engineers, and fleet managers
Nevertheless, this grant represents an important step toward a more electrified, efficient, and sustainable fleet ecosystem.
If your organisation operates depots or vehicle fleets, the Depot Charging Scheme is an opportunity to take advantage of. It reduces the financial and logistical hurdles to electrification and keeps you ahead of the game with transport innovation.
With the deadline set for 28 November 2025 or sooner if funds run out, early action is essential. The application process is competitive and requires careful planning.
By taking advantage of this funding window, fleet operators can modernise their infrastructure, reduce emissions, and create long-term cost efficiencies, contributing to a cleaner, net-zero future for the UK.
Future-proof your business today with EV charging. Contact us for more information about the scheme or support with EV charging installation, management and aftercare.