The shift to electric fleets is picking up pace, but for many businesses, installing the right charging infrastructure has been one of the biggest barriers. The good news? The Government’s Depot Charging Scheme is offering significant funding support to help businesses invest in depot EV charging.
The scheme is designed to support the rollout of zero-emission vans, HGVs and coaches by helping businesses cover the cost of installing charging infrastructure at their sites. With funding available on a first come, first served basis, businesses looking to electrify their fleets should act quickly.
What Is the Depot Charging Scheme?
For the current funding window, eligible applicants can receive support covering up to 70% of eligible chargepoint and civil works costs, with grants available up to £1 million per organisation. Funding can support multiple depot locations under a single application, making it a valuable opportunity for businesses operating larger fleets or multiple sites.
Who Can Apply?
The scheme is open to a wide range of organisations, including:
- Commercial fleet operators
- Logistics and transport businesses
- Coach and bus operators
- Local authorities
- Public sector organisations
- Non-profit organisations
To qualify, organisations must either already operate battery-electric vehicles or have plans in place to introduce them. Applicants must also own or lease the depot site where the charging infrastructure will be installed.
What Can The Funding Cover?
The scheme is designed to help reduce the upfront cost of electrification and can contribute towards:
- EV chargepoint equipment
- Installation and energisation works
- Civil engineering works
- Cabling and electrical infrastructure
While the scheme covers a large proportion of infrastructure costs, vehicle purchases and major grid reinforcement works are generally excluded.
Why Businesses Should Start Planning Now
As more businesses transition towards electric fleets, demand for charging infrastructure is only expected to grow. Securing funding now could help businesses reduce costs, future-proof operations and prepare for changing sustainability requirements.
With the application deadline set for 30th June 2026, delaying plans could mean missing out on available funding altogether.
At RES, we help businesses plan for long-term energy efficiency and infrastructure improvements. Whether you are exploring EV charging for the first time or expanding existing infrastructure across multiple sites, our team can support you with practical advice tailored to your business requirements.
If your business is considering fleet electrification, now could be the ideal time to explore what funding support is available before the scheme closes. Get in touch with our expert team today for application support and guidance.
